Snl24 | Experts issue warning on PSL to North Africa deals

CAPE TOWN, SOUTH AFRICA – MAY 07: Khanyisa Mayo of Cape Town City during the DStv Premiership match between Cape Town City FC and Moroka Swallows at Athlone Stadium on May 07, 2024 in Cape Town, South Africa. (Photo by Ashley Vlotman/Gallo Images)

Given the recent trend of PSL stars going to North African teams, KickOff spoke to leading experts in transfers for insight on the situation… and a warning has been sounded to the likes of Khanyisa Mayo and Elias Mokwana.

Former Sekhukhune United winger Elias Mokwana was linked with a move to the traditional big teams in South Africa, with Kaizer Chiefs having made a serious bid for his services.

However, he completed a shock transfer to Esperance de Tunis, who are believed to have outbid Amakhosi for his services, for an amount reported to be just under R10 million.

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As recently as last weekend, ex-Cape Town City striker Khanyisa Mayo also made a shock move to Algerian side CR Belouizdad.

City are reported to have bagged around R20 million for the transfer, with the player having also been heavily linked with Mamelodi Sundowns, after it became clear Chiefs could not meet the asking price.

According to reports, Esperance are now also vying for the signature of Polokwane City forward Oswin Appollis, who has also attracted interest from the Glamour Boys.

This website spoke to leading experts in facilitating deals in the region, to find out views on the recent trend to move to North Africa.

“People need to tread carefully going into these markets. It’s good for the players if they go, they play and they get paid, and it’s good for the clubs if players get sold and then get paid,” said one of the people interviewed by KickOff.

“Everyone has to be aware of what they are getting themselves into, because North Africa is rife with [financial] problems and that’s why we see a so-called big club on paper currently banned. They spent quite some time banned,” said one GM in the region.

“In North Africa, you have to tread carefully, because non-payments to players and staff are common,” he noted.

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One leading North African agent said, “It’s hard to stay long as a player. You’re in one moment and the next you’re gone. If you don’t perform on the field, you’ll be gone, [The] culture is different, so for any foreigners coming in, you have to adjust quickly.

“But I’d like to believe people got into it knowing what they’re doing, even though there’s not much South Africans in that market.”