WHY DO SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALLERS RETURN FROM EUROPE?

Tefu Mashamaite in the colours of Hacken in Sweden

Former Kaizer Chiefs defender, Tefu Mashamaite has become the latest soccer star to return to South Africa from a European club.

Mashamaite was unveiled by SuperSport United as their new addition to the squad, which already have four Kaizer Chiefs players who played under Stuart Baxter at Naturena.

Mashamaite was signed on a two- year contract with an option to extend and will link up with Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Reyaad Pieterse, Kingston Nkhatha and Morgan Gould whom he all worked with at Kaizer Chiefs.

Mashamaite's return to Premier Soccer League (PSL) came as a shock to many people after the defender scored a goal in Sunday's win as Hacken defeated Östersund 3-1. 

The return of Mashamaite has also raised eyebrows about South African players’ inability to fully settle in Europe.

Mashamaite isn’t the first South African footballer to return in the PSL after a brief spell in Europe. Players such as Bradley Grobler, Keegan Ritchie, Reyaad Pieterse, Darren Keet and many others all didn’t stay long in Europe before returning to South Africa.

According to Hacken sporting Director, Sonny Karlsson the 2014/2015 PSL footballer of the year and Players' player of the season returned to South Africa because he was home sick.

“Sometimes life comes before football. Or sometimes‚ so it is always. But he [Mashamaite] has his children in South Africa and is homesick,” Karlsson said.

Rangers FC midfielder, Mandla Masango has also appeared to be another South African star set return to the PSL.

The midfielder has been linked with a move away from the Danish club and has since been training alone. Reports in Denmark suggest the midfielder demands a move away from the club.

It has also been speculated as well that Stuart Baxter is closely monitoring Masango’s situation with the hope of landing the 27-year old to Tshwane.

Joining Sundowns would be the worst mistake by Jali

Andile Jali has been linked with a move away from KV Oostende

The possibility of Andile Jali joining Mamelodi Sundowns from KV Oostende could be the worst decision made by the player if the deal happens. Mamelodi Sundowns has proven not to be the ideal destination for players who joined the club from Pirates or were sold abroad by Pirates and joined Sundowns on their return.

Mamelodi Sundowns have been monitoring the player’s situation after he expressed his desires to leave the Belgian club for greener pastures in England. Championship side, Leeds United are also showing interest in the South African born midfielder.

The list of former Orlando Pirates players who failed to leave an impression at Chloorkop goes way back in the 2008/2009 season when Benedict “Tso” Vilakazi decided to join the chloorkop based team after spending one season at AaB Aalborg in Denmark.

“The little napoleon” as he was known by the Sea Robbers fans opted for big salaries of Mamelodi Sundowns instead of returning back to Orlando Pirates. Vilakazi’s decision proved to be a bad one, the midfielder made 37 appearance in three seasons at Mamelodi Sundowns and scoring four goals in the process as compared to 58 goals scored in 170 appearances for Orlando Pirates.

The same happened to Lebogang “Cheese-boy” Mokoena, during his Orlando Pirates days the midfielder was hot property in South Africa scoring goals left, right and centre.

His combination with Congolese striker, Lelo Mbele was probably the best in South Africa at one stage under Kostadin Papic and Bobby Mutombo respectively.

In the 2009/2010 season, Mamelodi Sundowns secured the services of the midfielder. During the seven season he spent with Mamelodi Sundowns, Mokoena made 62 appearances and managed to find the back of the net eight times.

Despite his Sundowns career being hampered by injuries, it is no doubt that the midfielder failed to leave an impression at Chloorkop.

Teko Modise’s name also comes to mind. The midfielder joined Mamelodi Sundowns from Orlando Pirates in 2011/2012 season. Despite winning midfielder of the season in the 2014/2015 PSL awards most people would agree that Modise’s best football years happened while he was with Orlando Pirates.

The right thing for Andile Jali would be to re-join Orlando Pirates if overseas deal doesn’t work out.

ASA IMPRESSED WITH TRACK AND FIELD PERFORMANCES

World record holder in 400m, Wayde van Niekerk with his coach Ans Botha

Athletics South Africa (ASA) President, Aleck Skhosana has expressed his excitement about the performance of Wayde van Niekerk and Luvo Manyonga at the RIO Olympics.

Van Niekerk smashed the 19-year old world record in 400 which was previously held United States of America's (USA), Michael Johnson at the Olympic stadium yesterday.

According to Van Niekerk, the preparations were the reason for the victory.

“I ran blind the whole race, I still don’t know what happened out there but it was just so awesome to be here and inspired by guys like Usain Bolt, Michael Johnson, and tonight guys who I ran against like Kirani James and LaShawn Merritt.

In long Jump, Manyonga snatched the silver medal to anchor the athletics performance.

Speaking shortly after the duo performances, Skhosana said the best is yet to come from both athletes.

"What we have seen here is an outstanding performance that will be on Athletics conversation for many years to come. Wayde proved today that he is in a class of his own," Skhosana said.

He said the Manyonga’s silver medal took them by surprise and has put “the cat among pigeons” as South African Sports Confederation and Olympic Committee (SASCOC) attempts to dominate the IAAF World Championships in London next year.

“As ASA we congratulate him for taking on the big giants in the long jump and come just 1cm short of the gold medal. His attitude dedication and discipline coupled with focus has taken him to where he is today,” Skhosana added.

Manyonga's story is one that can be told forever. In 2010, a 19-year old Manyonga won the gold medal in IAAF Junior World championship. In 2012 Manyonga’s life was nearly damaged when he began using drugs. In March Manyonga was cleared a world-leading and personal best distance of 8.30m, and that alone was enough to secure qualification to the Olympics.

The South African Olympics team is three medal shy of the 10 medal target set by SASCOC President Gideon Sam.

Speaking before the team’s departure in July, Sam said the team sent to the Olympics have every chance of reaching the 10 medal tally of 1920 and 1952 Olympics.

“We have given the squad a task of ensuring that they return with 10 medals at the games. Anything above that would be a huge achievement for the country and the federation,” Sam said.

S.A UNDER 23 BOW OUT OF OLYMPICS AFTER IRAQ DRAW

S.A under-23 coach, Owen Da Gama

The South African under-23 squad has joined Banyana Banyana on their way to South Africa after a disappointing showing in the 2016 Rio Olympics.

The under-23 squad would return home winless after failing to collect maximum points in their group A matches. Owen da Gama’s men drew their opening game against Brazil’s star-studded team, this was followed by a 1-0 defeat to Denmark, and their last game against Iraq ended in a 1-1 draw.

This is how the Group (A) final table looked.

Pos	Team	Played	Won	Drawn	Lost	For	Against	GD	Pts
1	Brazil U-23	3	1	2	0	4	0	4	5
2	Denmark U-23	3	1	1	1	1	4	-3	4
3	Iraq U-23	3	0	3	0	1	1	0	3
4	South Africa U-23	3	0	2	1	1	2	-1	2

Despite bowing out of the tournament earlier that expect there are few positives which have come from the team.

Mamelodi Sundown midfielder, Keegan Dolly and Chippa United forward, Menzi Masuku have been the centre of speculation interest after their impressive showings at the tournament.

 Keegan Dolly was probably S.A's best player by far standards in the tournament. Not only was Dolly South Africa's best player, but he was also crowd's favourite in Brazil but maybe for other reasons.

Guarana Dolly is a cheap drink available in Brazil since the tournament began the midfielder has become a Meme for sharing the same name with the drink.

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UNDER 23 EARN POINT AGAINST BRAZIL

Brazilian Superstar, Neymar Jnr

South African U/23 team began their Olympics campaign with an impressive 0-0 draw against hosts Brazil in Brasilia yesterday.

Participating on their second Olympics games, the under 23 team came to the game hoping to repeat the tale of Sydney Olympics in 2000 where they defeated a Brazilian team which had Ronaldinho.

Despite having an attack led by Barcelona forward, Neymar and Manchester City new signing, Gabriel Jesus. The Samba boys failed to break a strong SA under 23 defence which was led by Mulomowandau Mathoho and Goalkeeper, Itumeleng Khune.

The SA U/23 squad finished the match with 10-men on the field after Mothobi Mvala was given the marching orders for a foul on Brazilian right-back, Zeca. This was Mvala’s second yellow card in the game.

The team’s performance has received praises from former Bafana Bafana defender, Matthew Booth and current Bafana Bafana coach, Shakes Mashaba.

 Speaking on Capital Talk later today, Booth said: “this was the best defensive display I have ever seen”.

He suggested that current Absa Premiership Champions, Mamelodi Sundowns might find it difficult to retain the services of Keegan Dolly after the Olympics.

The team’s next game would be against Denmark and the last fixture in the group would be against Iraq.