The former Masandawana player believes moving overseas should be ideal for Mzansi’s growth.
Two top South African players – Khanyisa Mayo and Elias Mokwena, left the Premier Soccer League for North Africa.
After his impressive outings with Cape Town City, including finishing as a joint top-scorer in the league for the 2022/23 season, the 25-year-old Mayo was snapped by Algerian side CR Belouizdad ahead of the new 2024/25 season.
The 2023/24 Caf Champions League finalists Esperance signed another Bafana Bafana international Mokwana who had a good campaign with Sekhukhune United.
Why is Mnguni unhappy with the North Africa move?
The aforementioned duo joins Percy Tau who has been serving Egyptian heavyweights Al Ahly and Fagrie Lakay of Pyramids.
Former Mamelodi Sundowns and South Africa international Bennett Mnguni is not convinced that is the right move for the players. He argues it will not impact the national team positively.
“It is good for our players to be moving outside South Africa and grow their careers,” Mnguni told SNL24.
“But I think they should be going more to Europe so that we can improve our national team and compete against the countries that have most of their players in the European Leagues. So for me, I would say we better send our players to Europe than North Africa.”
Where should Bafana players go?
According to the 50-year-old, there are some three nations that can open doors for elite leagues overseas.
“We should aim at starting in Leagues like Belgium, Russia, or France and move to England, Spain, or Italy. If we can send players to those leagues, we will have a competitive national team.
“So that is why I think we should encourage more players to go to Europe than North Africa.”
