Soccerzela • Issue 13 • 2021

THE VOICE OF SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL! ISSUE 13 | WWW.SOCCERZELA.CO.ZA

SOCCERZELA THE EGYPTIAN COMBO:

THE REBIRTH OF AMAZULU

Pitso Mosimane and Al Ahly

‘THE LION’S’ ROAD TO THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

ZA’S GLOBAL SUPERSTARS

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GUIDE

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EDITOR’S NOTE

THE VOICE OF SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALL www.soccerzela.co.za Editor-in-Chief: Zaahid Nanabhay Tel: +27 61 495 1387 info@soccerzela.co.za Managing Director: Imraan Mahomed imraan@isikhova.co.za Publishing Director: Jason Aarons jason@isikhova.co.za Creative Director: Joanne Brook joanne@isikhova.co.za Brand Strategy Director: Jenny Justus Tel: +27 83 450 6052 jenny@isikhova.co.za

ED’S note Welcome to Issue 13 of the Soccerzela monthly magazine! We would firstly like to wish all of our readers a prosperous new year!

Considering the nightmare of a year 2020 was, it’s safe to say we can survive just about anything.

South Africa has a number of highly talented individuals plying their trade abroad. Soccerzela writer Dylan Bettencourt has compiled a list of the rising talents, some of the big names that you’ve definitely heard of while there’ll probably be a few names you’ll be coming across for the first time. Exciting times for the future of Bafana Bafana!

Operations: Thuli Majola thuli@isikhova.co.za

Percy Tau rocking the English Premier League is definitely the best

Advertising sales Ruwayda Mahomed Tel: +27 72 383 3203 ruwayda@isikhova.co.za

what we can expect from the South African star going forward at

Ian Starnes Tel: +27 82 052 8428 ian@isikhova.co.za Jonathan Yarwood Tel: +27 82 407 8627 jonno@isikhova.co.za Contributors Dylan Bettencourt, Happy Masango, Sinethemba Mbatha, Pro Philani.

way to start 2021, we take a look at his journey to England and Brighton and Hove Albion.

Another South African that’s shining abroad is Pitso Mosimane.

We take a look at how life is treating the former Mamelodi Sundowns CAF Champions League winning mentor in Egypt following his appointment at Al Ahly.

Speaking of the CAF Champions League, Kaizer Chiefs made history by qualifying for the 2020/2021 group stages, we map out the entire tournament for you and highlight what we can expect from Mamelodi Sundowns and the Amakhosi in Africa’s elite club competition. Sit back, relax and enjoy the ride!

Zaahid Nanabhay Editor-in-chief Isikhova Media Address: 10th Floor, Metal Box, 25 Owl Street, Milpark, South Africa Tel: +27 11 883 4627 www.isikhova.co.za

The views and statements expressed in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor or the publishers and neither the publishers nor Soccerzela accept responsibility for them. No person connected with the publication of this magazine will be liable for any loss or damage sustained as a result of action following any statements or opinions expressed herein. The same applies to all advertising. Soccerzela© 2020. All rights reserved. No part of this magazine may be reproduced or transmitted in any form or by any means, electronic or mechanical, including photocopying, recording, or any information storage retrieval system, without prior written permission from the publishers.

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Soccerzela is an accredited member of the PSL

ISSUE 13

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PROFILE PERCY TAU’S AMAZING CAREER

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CLUB TALK THE REBIRTH OF AMAZULU

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GOING GLOBAL SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALLERS LIGHT UP THE INTERNATIONAL STAGE

EGYPTIAN PREMIER LEAGUE THE DYNAMIC DUO OF PITSO MOSIMANE AND AL AHLY

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CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE YOUR 2020/2021 SCHEDULE

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‘THE LION OF JUDAH’S’ ROAD

TO THE ENGLISH PREMIER LEAGUE

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the forward was recalled from his loan spell at Anderlecht. Tau has appeared 79 times in the last two-and-a-half seasons and been directly involved in 43 goals (21 goals‚ 22 assists). On average he has recorded a goal involvement every 130 minutes.

Those appearances came at Union Saint-Gilloise‚ Club Brugge and Anderlecht.

BY ZAAHID NANABHAY

Percy Tau has been the talk of the town following his emergency return to English Premier League side Brighton and Hove Albion in January 2021.

South African soccer fans were anxiously waiting to watch the former Mamelodi Sundowns playmaker grace Europe’s elite league.

They didn’t have to wait too long after he was named in the starting line-up against Manchester City on 14 January. How did Tau end up at the Etihad stadium? Let’s take a closer look at his impeccable rise to the very top.

Before this though, let’s start with why Brighton and Hove Albion made emergency arrangements to get the South African his work visa in England. With the club struggling in 17th place on the log standings‚ Brighton were looking to bolster their squad and where better to look at than their own loanee list?

TAU WAS ALMOST IMPOSSIBLE TO STOP DURING THE 2018/19 SEASON FOR SUNDOWNS

“His international goal-scoring record is just as deadly as his domestic one. Twelve goals in 25 South Africa games ranks Tau fifth in the all-time scoring charts for his country with his 168 minutes average per goal scored the third best of any inside in the top 10.

“The forward showed the variety in his finish library in the last international break‚ netting three times in two games against Sao Tome: one penalty‚ one goal following a dribble and one goal

A loan report on Tau rated him higher than Brighton and Hove Albion’s existing players in the squad It further stated that Tau would bring a new dimension to their attack making him Graham Potter’s priority January signing.

The rest as they say is history!

Tau’s scouting report revealed – IN FULL “Albion fans will finally get the chance to see South African striker Percy Tau in action after

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from outside the box following a run in behind to meet a through-ball.

“Tau joins Andi Zeqiri as a leftfooter in Brighton’s forward line‚ and the South African seems equally adept in creating chances as he is at converting them, with 31 chances created and 30 shots taken in marginally over 1‚000 league minutes this season. He averages 2.2 chances created and 2.3 shots per 90 minutes played.

“Tau leads all Anderlecht players on the creative front‚ with only Lukas Nmecha bettering him as a shooter and goal-scorer this season.

“Testament to his technical proficiency is Tau’s completion of 20 of the 24 long passes he

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HIS INTERNATIONAL GOAL-SCORING RECORD IS JUST AS DEADLY AS HIS DOMESTIC ONE

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has attempted this campaign.

The 26-year-old has attempted 32 dribbles and 19 crosses‚ while he ranks top at Anderlecht for both tackles attempted (35) and won (25).

“His tackle completion rate of 71% eclipses any player at Albion so far this season‚ his defensive capabilities underpinned by a small stature which has resulted in an immense repeated sprint ability.

“By the end of last October Tau had run over 1.3km at speeds over 20km/h‚ ranking him inside the top 10 in Belgium’s top tier.

Per 90 minutes this season he averages 2.5 accelerations‚ with Neal Maupay Albion’s closest current challenger with 1.1.

“For Brugge in the Champions League last season‚ Tau pressed opponents on 159 occasions (34 successful) in less than four full matches worth of minutes – he averaged a press every 82 seconds.

“Though that sample size is incredibly small‚ it shows the intensity at which Tau can operate‚ even at the highest level. The South African also shone against Real Madrid at the Bernabaeu last year‚ setting up Brugge’s opener.

“Compared to Brighton forwards (Maupay‚ Connolly‚ Welbeck) so far this season‚ Tau sits third for Expected Goals per game (0.35) but is the best for actual goals

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scored per 90 minutes (0.47); such statistical over-performance would suggest the 26-year-old is more than capable of being clinical in front of goal.

“In addition‚ Tau recorded a total of 3.5 Expected Assists and averages 2.4 passes per game into the penalty area‚ numbers which again show just how capable he is of creating for others as well as himself.

“Of the Albion forwards‚ only Aaron Connolly (2.4) receives more long passes per game this season than Tau (1.5).

Such attacking nous allows the forward to fulfil multiple roles in the forward line. He is capable of playing on either flank and through the middle‚ both as the most advanced striker and also in deeper positions.”

Back to the beginning, from the Multichoice Diski Challenge to the English Premier League.,we’ve mapped up Tau’s entire journey for you from the highs of winning the CAF Champions League to the lows of being dropped from Mamelodi Sundowns.

Tau was born on 14th of May 1994 in Witbank, South Africa.

His journey to the top can be summarised in one word: ‘resilience’. Tau was initially spotted by the Mamelodi Sundowns’ scouts in 2010 whilst playing for Phahama Combined School in Randfontein, but he had to wait

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to wait until 2012 before officially joining the ‘Masandawana’ academy - after promising performances during the prestigious Metropolitan Under19 Premier Cup in Cape Town.

It was during the two years Tau spent in the Mamelodi Sundowns academy between 2012 and 2014 when he really blossomed under the guidance of Sundowns’ youth coach at the time, Rulani Mokwena. Tau was pivotal in Clapham High School’s (Mamelodi Sundowns’ academy academic provider) 2013 Kay Motsepe School’s Cup Campaign, where he earned the Player of The Tournament award.

Following Tau’s success in the Mamelodi Sundowns academy, Tau was then promoted to the senior team during January 2014. South Africa’s first taste of Tauwas on the 25th of February 2014 when he made his senior team debut - after coming on as a late substitute - in a 1 – 0 loss against Orlando Pirates.

Tau however struggled to secure game-time with the star studded Mamelodi Sundowns at the time, with many questions regarding whether his tiny stature would handle the Premier Soccer League. Tau already showed glimpses of his resilient nature when he bagged a first goal in Sundowns colours on the 22nd of March 2014 during a Nedbank Cup match against Golden Arrows.

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A LOAN REPORT ON TAU RATED HIM HIGHER THAN BRIGHTON AND HOVE ALBION’S EXISTING PLAYERS IN THE SQUAD

With growing questions over Tau’s readiness to play in the top flight, it was then agreed he would be sent out on loan to hometown club Witbank Spurs.

This would in the National First Division, during the 15/16 season in an attempt to give Tau some much needed experience at a senior level. It was later revealed the loan deal was Tau’s decision, with him going as far as taking

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a pay-cut in an attempt to kick start his career.

Themba Mafu (Part owner of Witbank Spurs) commented: “He took a pay-cut. You know that with a lot of players, money is a priority. But instead of saying he would rather stay at Sundowns, sit in the stands and keep getting the big money, he put his career first. For me that was the biggest indicator he wants to work hard. So I said I would try and see if I could make it worth his while financially as well. He was back at Sundowns even before he finished his project with us because they needed him for CAF (Champions League).”

Tau returned back to ‘Masandawana’ ahead of the 16/17 season and as the saying goes, the rest was history.

Tau went on to make over 100 appearances for Mamelodi Sundowns and was directly involved in over 50 goals for the club. He formed part of the historic Mamelodi Sundowns side that went on to conquer Africa after winning both the CAF Champions League and CAF Super Cup in 2016/17. Tau was almost impossible to stop during the 2018/19 season for Sundowns where he led them to the ABSA Premiership title while finishing joint top scorer in the league, along with winning the coveted PSL Player of The Season award.

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‘The Lion Of Juda’, as he’s affectionately known, was now ready to take on the world and following his highly successful 2018/19 campaign, Tau secured a high profile move to English Premier League outfit Brighton and Hove Albion.

in which he made his debut in the UEFA Champions League.

He racked up 30 games in all competitions for Brugge, scoring four goals and earning eight assists before the season was abandoned in April 2020 because of the coronavirus pandemic.

Having left Sundowns for a club record fee of R50-million, Tau spent his first season on loan at Belgian second division side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise.

What seemed to be a major step backwards turned out to be a huge blessing in disguise. He was named Player of the Season after being directly involved in 24 goals (11 goals, 13 assists) after playing 34 games for Union.

Brugge then passed up the chance to extend his loan deal.

Tau then joined another Belgian side, Anderlecht. For them he managed four goals and one assist in his 14 appearances.

And instead of waiting for him to conclude the current season - with the side managed by Manchester City legend Vincent Kompany - Brighton recalled Tau with the hope of saving the Seagulls from relegation.

The following season, after failing to secure a work permit once more, Brighton and Hove Albion loaned him out to Club Brugge.

It was a magical season for Tau

On behalf of Soccerzela we would like to wish Percy Tau all the best in the English Premier League. Fly the flag! Ù

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CLUB TALK

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CLUB TALK

BY HAPPY MASANGO

Benni McCarthy is back in the Premier Soccer League and he has the task of returning KwaZulu-Natal side AmaZulu to giant status in South Africa.

McCarthy was abruptly fired

by Cape Town City last season following an extremely woeful spell at the club, months after guiding them to the MTN8 title.

Despite being linked to numerous jobs, Benni now finds himself at the rejuvenated Usuthu.

AmaZulu underwent a complete change of ownership following the 2019/20 campaign after Dr. Patrick Sokhela reached an agreement with the Zungu Investments Company (Zirco) to transfer 100% ownership of the Durban side.

“I have been the owner and chairman of AmaZulu for the past 16 years, and the time has come for me to pass the banner to a new owner. I believe the new owner will continue to grow the club in both status and stature as I have endeavoured to do,” Dr. Sokhela said.

THE REBIRTH

OF AMAZULU

“I cannot think of anyone better than Sandile Zungu to step into my shoes and continue the legacy of this club, I’m certain he’ll lead the club in a manner fitting to supporters and the football game in general.”

Zirco is owned by Durban-born businessman Sandile Zungu who

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himself has taken up a leadership role at the club. Zungu’s ambitions for AmaZulu are large and Benni McCarthy has been entrusted to ensure Usuthu reach their goals.

same opportunity I had. I want to do the same and give them a chance. The history Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates have, is what we want to achieve as AmaZulu – a rich history!

McCarthy took over the head coaching reins at Usuthu following the voluntary stepping down of Ayanda Dlamini as head coach. Benni’s squad has been tremendously beefed up by new owner Sandile Zungu with the likes of Siphiwe Tshabalala, Xola Mlambo, Amigo Memela and Limbikani Mzava joining Usuthu.

“How could I not want to be part of this inspirational club when as a young boy I was fortunate enough to be given an opportunity to become someone,” McCarthy said regarding his appointment as AmaZulu head coach.

“Somebody had faith in me, and I was able to have a career.

There are millions of young players that are dying to have the

“As a person, most of you know me as a young boy stepping onto the playing field and others from when I hung up my boots and became a coach. I have always been ambitious and hungry for success.

KWAZULU-NATAL IS THE FOUNTAIN OF YOUNG TALENT IN SOUTH AFRICA.

“When I first communicated with the chairman, it didn’t take a lot for me to get involved in the project! When someone speaks to you about change, it’s not only footballers currently playing in the team but the future of millions of young players this country has.”

“Obviously in a short space of time you can’t just give an assessment on transfers, and I’m not that quick in diving into the transfer market,” McCarthy added regarding his plans for his squad.

“I think we have a big squad filled with talented players. If I call myself a coach, I should make these players better instead of looking to buy a finished product.

I can make the good players we already have a finished product.”

Football teams in KwaZulu-Natal have been performing below par for ages now with the last team that challenged for the Premiership title being Manning Rangers in 1996-97 season.

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Usuthu’s last trophy came in the famous 3-1 defeat of Kaizer Chiefs in the 1992 Coca-Cola Cup final at FNB Stadium, but Sandile Zungu believes glory is around the corner.

not reached their potential. Not because they didn’t have players in the province. We have gone into the market and bought what we felt was necessary, with experience and youth.

administration was found wanting. By making sure we have the highest calibre of managers we just want to demonstrate to the players that they matter.

“In our endeavour to rebuild AmaZulu Football Club there is just as important a focus on the administration as there is on the technical and playing department‚” Zungu said.

“KwaZulu-Natal is the fountain of young talent in South Africa. They have never stayed at KZN clubs because the

“I was worried about a monthand-a-half ago when the sale was announced that what I was saying could not be matched by actions. But I thought it was important even at that time to outline our ambitions. And people said if we didn’t sign players, we would be fighting relegation.

“You will agree with me that adding these two very powerful names to the array of players we’ve signed recently‚ and again to the pre-existing players whom we value‚ we can justly claim that we are a balanced team.

“On the administration side‚ teams in KwaZulu-Natal have historically

“We knew we already had great players who performed exceptionally well in the bubble‚ and whom we have confidence in. But we needed bolstering‚ and who would question the quality of delivery and impact that those players have had on Usuthu already.

“Within a few matches Amigo Memela has entrenched himself as a player; Augustine Mulenga‚ Mzava‚ just to mention a few. And we still expect a lot from people like ‘Shabba’‚ who was injured and will still get his chance.”

Onwards and upwards! Ù

BENNI’S SQUAD HAS BEEN TREMENDOUSLY BEEFED UP.

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EGYPTIAN PREMIER LEAGUE

PITSO MOSIMANE AND AL AHLY

- THEIR GIG TOGETHER

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EGYPTIAN PREMIER LEAGUE

BY ZAAHID NANABHAY

When the news broke that Pitso John Hamilton Mosimane was to be appointed as Al Ahly head coach, many individuals were doubtful over whether the record breaking Mamelodi Sundowns mentor would crack it at the Egyptian giants.

Fast forward four months later and not only has Pitso Mosimane shown his ability to win trophies in a foreign league but the Kagiso born mastermind has arguably taken Al Ahly to the next level.

Al Ahly were undoubtedly a force before Mosimane joined them.

They had already wrapped up the league under Rene Weiler but if we’re being honest, Al Ahly are expected to win the Egyptian Premier League title annually. The yard stick was always going to be the CAF Champions League.

trebles in arguably the two strongest leagues on the continent.

After a triple triumph in South Africa with Mamelodi Sundowns during the 2019/20 campaign, Pitso Mosimane completed his second treble of the season with Al Ahly.

Mosimane led Mamelodi Sundowns to the Absa Premiership, Telkom Knockout and Nedbank Cup before lifting the Egyptian Premier League, CAF Champions League and Egyptian Cup with Al Ahly.

Mosimane’s trophy cabinet growing exponentially CAF Champions League x2 CAF Super Cup x1 Absa Premiership x5 Telkom Knockout x2 Nedbank Cup x2 ABSA Cup x1 SAA Supa 8 x1 Egyptian Cup x1 Egyptian Premier League x1 Al Ahly heat getting to Jingles The Egyptian giants are notorious for hiring and firing coaches, much of the success at the club can be credited to the quality

Al Ahly were in a seven year CAF Champions League drought and when Mosimane joined them, winning Africa’s elite club competition was always going to be key in measuring his success at the club.

Double Treble Mosimane The year 2020 will forever be remembered for a number of things, mostly negative it must be said. However, for one Pitso Mosimane, the year will go down in the history books after the South African tactician won two

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. . . THE KAGISO BORN MASTERMIND HAS ARGUABLY TAKEN AL AHLY TO THE NEXT LEVEL.

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players around. However, the fact managers are never comfortable at the club also plays a huge role.

The 2020/2021 campaign immediately came with its own challenges for Pitso with a number of club legends coming out and attacking him for his tactics.

Former Al Ahly striker Ahmed Belal questioned the tactics deployed by Mosimane while Egyptian legend Ahmed Hassan went as far as claiming the South African manager would be sacked after four games if he was coaching another team in the league.

“If Haris, Al Ahly’s kit man, took charge of Al Ahly, he will win trophies,” Hossam Hassan said regarding Pitso Mosimane.

comparing Mosimane’s Al Ahly to Jurgen Klopp’s Liverpool.

“However, Al Ahly under the leadership of Pitso Mosimane is distinguished by some specific details and the South African’s

Mosimane’s talkative nature has always placed him in hot-water, but many forget that a master tactician like Pitso never speaks in vain. His ‘let the league go where it’s supposed to go’ theme for 2018/19 proved to be a trump

MOSIMANE KNOWNS HOW TO SHAPE THE NARRATIVE THAT BEST SUITS HIS PURPOSE.

“If we [Hossam and Ibrahim Hassan] took charge of Al Ahly we will win trophies. If Pitso coached any other team in the league, he will get sacked after two games “Al Ahly wasn’t good against us in the Egypt Cup nor in their last games nor in the CAF Champions League,” Jingles gets Backing of Mido Former Roma, Zamalek and Tottenham star Mido rushed to the defence of Pitso Mosimane claiming his improvements are visible while going as far as

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players, before four or five players from Al Ahly applied high pressure and managed to intercept the ball.

This is Mosimane’s touch that we didn’t see with former head coach René Weiler.”

touch can be seen. Mosimane’s Al Ahly play from the back and are very quick in applying the pressure. They became like Liverpool.” – Mido said.

“Before Hussein El-Shahat’s goal, the ball was possessed by Entag’s

card in taking attention away title contenders Orlando Pirates - who were playing some of the best football the Buccaneers played in recent years - and placing it on the administration of the league. In 2019/20 his ‘May is still far’ narrative led Mamelodi Sundowns to an incredible league heist over Kaizer Chiefs.

The truth is, like a handful of elite coaches such as Jose Mourinho and Pep Guardiola, Mosimane knowns how to shape the narrative that best suits his purpose while still getting the job done on the field of play. His time at Al Ahly will undoubtedly be short, not because of his skills or lack of it, but because that’s just the way it is in Egypt, coaches don’t last there however the exciting part for Jingles and South Africa is that his Al Ahly gig will undoubtedly be a stepping stone to bigger jobs in other continents. Ù

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EGYPTIAN PREMIER LEAGUE

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SOUTH AFRICAN FOOTBALLERS LIGHT UP THE

INTERNATIONAL STAGE

BY DYLAN BETTENCOURT

Football for many in South Africa is life or death, a path to success and for very few, that dream becomes a reality within South Africa. However, there are a select few superstars who attract the attention of football

clubs abroad. The likes of Lucas Radebe, Benni McCarthy and Steven Pienaar are all household names around the world.

Soccerzela takes a look at some of those names who are looking to emulate the likes of the above-mentioned footballers and become key players for their clubs.

Percy Tau Arguably South African’s favourite footballer at the moment, Percy Tau, nicknamed ‘The Lion’ has been one of the country’s most successful exports in recent years and at only 26 years of age, he has the potential to become

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one of the biggest names to leave South Africa.

Tau, born in Secunda in South Africa started his career with the mighty Mamelodi Sundowns where he won the Premier Soccer League (PSL) title on two separate occasions as well as winning the CAF Champions League. The Lion scored a total of 24 goals and claimed 27 assists in 102 appearances for Sundowns.

After struggling in his first few seasons with The Brazilians, former youth coach and current head coach of Sundowns Rhulani Mokwena advised the club to loan Tau to a lower league side

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and that they did, Tau spent a less then impressive season with Witbank Spurs in the National First Division, scoring three goals in 11 appearances.

However, after re-joining the side from his loan spell. Tau seemed to have found his form and had his breakout season in 2017/2018, scoring 11 goals during Sundowns title winning season and shared the golden boot award that season. After winning Footballer of the season and players’ player of the season, Tau attracted the interest of several European clubs and in an attempt to seal his dream move overseas he snubbed the clubs pre-season activities.

On the 20th of July 2018, Tau signed with English Premier League outfit Brighton & Hove Albion for a reported fee around R50 million, a record figure for a South African player. Unable to gain a UK work permit, Tau was loaned out to Belgian second division team Union SG. Tau had a very successful season with the side, scoring 13 and assisting 13 goals in 35 appearances for the team. As a reward for his season, The Lion was named as Player of the season as well as being named in the league’s team of the season.

memorable moments not just for Tau but for all of South Africa was the 26-year-old featured against Real Madrid in the Champions League and assisted the opener which saw Club Brugge take the lead.

Tau and his team were crowned champions with one game left to be played, however, due to Covid-19 and the 15-point gap to second place, Brugge were handed the title and Tau had won his first title in Europe. In 30 appearances for the side, Tau

. . . HE HAS THE POTENTIAL TO BECOME ONE OF THE BIGGEST NAMES TO LEAVE SOUTH AFRICA.

picked up a total of four goals and eight assists.

Tau was further loaned to another Belgian side in Anderlecht where he managed to score four goals and claim one assist in fourteen appearances for the side. The attackers time with the club was cut short on the 7th of January 2021 as he was recalled by his parent club Brighton & Hove Albion after the team received a Governing Body Endorsement, a point-based system for foreign players following the United Kingdom’s exit from the European Union.

Tau made his debut for the Seagull’s on the 10th of January 2021 in a FA Cup third round fixture against Newport County where he made an impressive 49-minute stint creating two chances and taking two shots on target.

The following season saw the attacker stay in Belgium with Club Brugge for the 2019/2020 season. Perhaps one of the most

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were up, however after opponents AS Vita were found to have used an ineligible player during the preliminary rounds, Sundowns were reinstated into the competition.

After being allowed back into the competition, the team from Pretoria went on to win the competition as a whole with Dollly being nominated for best African Inter-Club Player of the Year.

Keagan Dolly Keagan Dolly, another one of South Africa’s fine exports is currently applying his trade for French outfit Montpellier.

Born in 1993, Dolly began his career for Westbury Arsenal and later moving to the School of Excellence. It was during his time with the School of Excellence that he was picked up by Mamelodi Sundowns.

After impressing at the Brazilians youth levels, Dolly was loaned to Ajax Cape Town where he won the PSL young player of the season.

After two successful loan spells in Cape Town, the midfielder went back to Sundowns where he had his breakout season. Dolly and his side won the league and qualified for the CAF champions league and after being eliminated in the third round of the competition it seemed as if their hopes of winning the tournament

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These impressive performances by the 27-year-old attracted interest from Europe and after a buyout clause dispute with Sundowns, Dolly signed for Montpellier in January of 2017.

There is no doubt that Dolly’s electric pace and close control attracted the French club to sign the South African.

Dolly has struggled with several injuries during his time in Europe, but he will be hoping that is behind him and he will be able to get a run of fixtures together and showcase what he is capable of.

BORN IN 1993, DOLLY BEGAN HIS CAREER FOR WESTBURY ARSENAL AND LATER MOVING TO THE SCHOOL OF EXCELLENCE.

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Bongani Zungu Bongani Zungu is a 28-year-old midfielder who currently applies his trade for Scottish outfit Rangers.

Born in Duduza in South Africa, Zungu’s youth career saw him play for Dynamos from 2010 to 2012. He joined the University of Pretoria for the 2012/2013, his efforts from the middle of the park helped AmaTuks finish in the top eight of the PSL. His impressive displays saw him join Mamelodi Sundowns.

Zungu played for the Brazilians for three years, racking up 58 appearances and despite missing most of the 2015/2016 season due to injury, Zungu and his side claimed top honours by lifting the PSL title at the end of the season.

Zungu’s contract was coming to an end and the lack of an extension saw the 28-year-old join Portuguese outfit Vitória de Guimarães. Zungu had an impressive season, attracting the interest of Porto, Benfica as well as Tottenham Hotspurs.

The midfielder left Portugal after one season and joined French side Amiens who remain his parent club. Zungu has made 52

appearances for the club. After the club was relegated, Zungu had aspirations of playing in Spain: “I would love to play in Spain, in La Liga. I think the league is nice, the teams play football and yeah, I would like to hopefully get a club in Spain,” Zungu told GetFrenchFootballNews.

A failed move to Real Mallorca in January of 2020 saw Zungu remain in France until the end of the season. However, in October of 2020, Scottish side Rangers signed the 28-year-old on loan from Amiens.

Zungu is often described as a defensive midfielder but his composure in tight spaces, ability

to hit long passes and quick feet makes him an impressive allround box-to-box number eight.

Zungu has the ability to make a tackle and break up play as well as having the ability to dictate the speed of the play. His manager, Liverpool legend Steven Gerrard comparing the South African footballer to himself.

. . . HIS COMPOSURE IN TIGHT SPACES, ABILITY TO HIT LONG PASSES AND QUICK FEET MAKES HIM AN IMPRESSIVE ALL-ROUND BOX-TO-BOX NUMBER EIGHT

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Lyle Foster Lyle Foster is perhaps the youngest export to leave South Africa and apply his trade in the big leagues. Foster, born in 2000 played for Orlando Pirates during his time in South Africa. The 20-year-old gained his call-up to the first team after a run of impressive performances for their youth team. The striker became the club’s youngest ever goal scorer, netting his first goal for the club at age 17. Foster was

THE 20-YEAR-OLD GAINED HIS CALL-UP TO THE FIRST TEAM AFTER A RUN OF IMPRESSIVE PERFORMANCES FOR THEIR YOUTH TEAM.

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named in the The Guardian’s top 60 most promising young players around the globe, an impressive accolade.

The boy from Soweto had attracted the interest from the mighty Monaco in France and after a successful trial period with the club, his move became permanent in January of 2019.

After scoring two goals in eight appearances for Monaco’s reserve team.

Foster got his chance and made his debut for the first team. The striker only made one more appearance for the first team before being loaned out to Monaco’s feeder team in Cercle Brugge and despite only scoring one goal in 18 outings for the Belgian side, Foster impressed with his intelligence, often dropping deeper to drag the defenders closer to him and

create space in-behind. Foster uses his 1.85m height to his advantage, displaying impressive hold-up play and allowing the wingers to run off him. The striker is an impressive target man who consistently presses the ball in the attacking half, putting pressure on the deep-lying midfielders as well as the defenders.

Although Foster’s numbers are not what the typical football fan would expect, the 20-year-old offers so much to the team and his performances saw him secure a move to Portuguese outfit Vitória de Guimarães in August of 2020.

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Khanya Leshabela Khanya Leshabela who is rising in the ranks for his club, former English Premier League champions Leicester City.

Leshabela who was born in the well-known township of Sashanguve in Pretoria, just two years later the midfielder left South Africa in search of better opportunities and ended up in the United Kingdom, more specifically Northampton. In an interview with Farpost, the 21-year-old’s father tells the story of how Khanya was not able to join his local club due to the membership being too full but was still able to train with the club and an injury afforded

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Leshhabela an opportunity to make an appearance in a moment his father described as life changing.

make his debut for the club with coach Brendan Rodgers hinting at a possible loan-spell for the young South African.

In 2013 he came against Leicester City for his new side Gregory Celtics and after impressing the scouts during the match, Leshabela was invited for a trial at The Foxes. A successful trial and the South African born boy was a player for Leicester City.

The midfielder impressed in the under-23 side and was invited to the first team 2019/2020 preseason. His impressive displays for the club continued for the club and has been named on the bench for the first team on a couple of occasions but is yet to

Rodgers describing the South African as a dynamic, physical and a hard worker as well as having a good understanding of the game.

It is clear to see that those within the club have faith in the attacking midfielder as in January 2019 Leshabela signed a three-and-a-half-year contract extension with the club, the contract expiring in June 2022.

A loan-spell could provide the 21-year-old with valuable first team experience and allow to develop into a first team player for Leicester City.

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Kgaogela Chauke Kgaaogela Chauke, born in Mamelodi in South Africa and moved to the United Kingdom at the young age of just one years old. Chauke plays for Southampton in the English Premier League and recently was on the bench in Southampton’s win against champions Liverpool.

At the age of just 17, the midfielder is stating his claim in England with the English national team keeping an eye on the teen sensation. However, Chauke has stated his desire to play for his birth nation, South Africa.

Chauke played his youth football with Thatcham Town and after

showcasing his impressive footballing ability, Chauke signed for Southampton in 2017 and has impressed for both the under-18 and under-23 sides which has seen him earn a first team spot. He is still yet to make his debut but at his young age, the future is bright for Chauke and South Africans will be hoping he chooses to play for his home nation.

‘Kegs’ the nickname given by his teammates is well-known for his speed and passing ability as well as an impressive work rate and decision-making skills. There is a lot of room for improvement for the youngster, but he is definitely making all the right moves for The Saints.

‘KEGS’ THE NICKNAME GIVEN BY HIS TEAMMATES IS WELL-KNOWN FOR HIS SPEED AND PASSING ABILITY AS WELL AS AN IMPRESSIVE WORK RATE AND DECISION-MAKING SKILLS.

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A MODERN-DAY CENTRE BACK WHO IS CAPABLE OF PLAYING OUT FROM THE BACK AS WELL AS BEING LEFT FOOTED ARE TWO ATTRIBUTES MOST TEAMS LOOK FOR IN THEIR DEFENDERS.

Bradley Cross Bradley Cross, who recently signed for English Premier League outfit Newcastle United, spent his youth days playing for Mpumalanga Black Aces as well as Bidvest Wits. Cross spent last season with German outfit Schalke 04.

Born in Kempton Park, the centreback was invited for a trial with Newcastle United and recently signed a two-year contract with The Magpies. Cross, speaking to the Newcastle United website said: “I’ve spoken to the coach (Chris Hogg) and he’s spoken of the ideas he has for me. I feel like I bring something different to the team and the coach encourages me to play to my strengths, which is something that has been very helpful. There is also a pathway to try and get into the first team.

when the ball is at my feet and love playing out from the back, looking for those window passes to break the lines.”

A modern-day centre back who is capable of playing out from

the back as well as being left footed are two attributes most teams look for in their defenders.

Cross showed good form for Schalke 04 last season and will look to continue impressing this season for The Magpies under-23 side.

The defender has already featured for the South Africa under-20 side and a run of good form could see the youngster earn a spot in the Bafana Bafana side in the near future.

“I’m a left footed centre-back that loves playing football. I like

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Max McMillan Max McMillan, son of famous York City footballer Andy McMillan is currently playing his football for Leeds United in the English Premier League.

McMillan is a striker in the Leeds under-23 side and is showing promising signs of paving a way into the first team.

Although the 18-year-old was born in England, McMillan is able to represent South Africa through his grandfather Trevor McMillan who was born in Bloemfontein and coached the Pretoria Callies

football side. The young striker has expressed his interest in wearing the Bafana Bafana jersey in the near future and the South African Football Association (SAFA) have been keeping tabs on McMillan.

The striker has an eye for goal and shows impressive levels of determination with and without the ball. McMillan shows his passion on the field and puts in a shift every time he is on the field.

There will be nostalgia for South African’s seeing another player from their nation wearing the Leeds United jersey, following in the footsteps of the great Lucas Radebe who was one of the very first South Africans to play in the English Premier League.

ALTHOUGH THE 18-YEAR-OLD WAS BORN IN ENGLAND, MCMILLAN IS ABLE TO REPRESENT SOUTH AFRICA THROUGH HIS GRANDFATHER TREVOR MCMILLAN WHO WAS BORN IN BLOEMFONTEIN AND COACHED THE PRETORIA CALLIES FOOTBALL SIDE.

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Luther Singh Luther Singh is a winger who is currently out on loan with Portuguese outfit Pacos Ferreira from his parent club Braga.

Singh started out as a youth prodigy with Stars of Africa where he spent seven years and spent some time in Brazil with Vasco de Gama as well as Fluminense before moving to Swedish club GAIS. The winger made 36 league appearances for GAIS and scored 11 goals. The 23-year-old then made his move to Portuguese side Braga where he spent most of his time in the reserve team where he scored 14 league goals before heading out on loan to Chaves and then Moreirense the season after.

Born in Soweto, Singh is known for his ability to cut inside and play long balls. His intelligence to play crosses into the box as well looking to play the decisive ball into the box. Singh is always a threat and his pace allows his side to counterattack with purpose.

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Perhaps not an out and out goal scorer but the winger is always looking to assist his teammates.

Singh will be hoping to make more appearances to gain experience and showcase his ability to play for a bigger side in Europe.

BORN IN SOWETO, SINGH IS KNOWN FOR HIS ABILITY TO CUT INSIDE AND PLAY LONG BALLS.

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Keanin Ayer Keanin Ayer, born in 2000 is a midfielder who plays his football for Swedish club Varbergs BoIS. Although his rise to stardom has not been simple, Ayer grew up in Eldorado Park with a situation no child should be raised in. Ayer found his refuge on the football field. However, The Right to Dream football academy came to the young boy’s rescue and at the age of just 12, Ayer set off to play football in Ghana.

Ayer spent the next six years in Ghana before graduating from the academy and signing for his current club Varberg and this is where he has found his success.

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At age 18, he played the final eight games of the season and helped his side narrowly avoid relegation. With the club now being in the first division of the Swedish league, the 20-year-old will be looking to further develop his game and add to his already rich, success story.

preferred position in the number eight role which allows him room to improve in all aspects of his game. Ayer has also been deployed as right-wing back for his side and this versatility will only do him good as he develops aspects of his game from being in these different positions.

Ayer is capable of playing anywhere in the midfield positions, deep-lying midfielder, a box-to-box player as well the creative number 10 position but the youngster’s

Due to his time spent in Ghana, Ayer is not commonly known in South Africa, but he is absolutely someone the nation can be proud of and will look forward to seeing in the future.

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Tashreeq Matthews Tahsreeq Matthews, like the above mentioned Keanin Ayer is a footballer for Varbergs BoIS in Sweden. Born in Cape Town, Matthews spent his youth days playing for Ajax Cape Town and after impressing during his time in South Africa. The left-winger was subject of a massive move to former German Bundesliga champions Borussia Dortmund.

After featuring for the Dortmund under-19 as well as the Dortmund reserve side. Matthews was sold to Varberg for 100,000 euros.

Matthews has shown that his flair and dribbling ability as well as having a tremendous amount

of pace is something to take notice of. Matthews pairs his pace and flair with good technical ability that allows him to get past his opponents with ease. The 20-year-old is a hard worker who can add to his game and in time can make a name for himself as an old-school winger with his pace and dribbling ability.

At only 60kg, the winger is dependent on his speed and flair to beat his man, however if in time he is able to bulk up he will definitely be a dangerous player.

MATTHEWS PAIRS HIS PACE AND FLAIR WITH GOOD TECHNICAL ABILITY THAT ALLOWS HIM TO GET PAST HIS OPPONENTS WITH EASE.

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Thibang Phete Thibang Phete is a defensive midfielder who plays for Portuguese side Belenenses.

The 26-year-old began his career with Stars of Africa football academy. In 2013, Phete joined Cape Town based Milano United where he spent a year before joining Tourizense.

After impressing at Tourizense, Phete landed a big move to another Portuguese side in Vitória de Guimarães in August of 2015.

The defensive midfielder only managed to make a total of 11 league appearances for the first side after featuring heavily for the reserve side. In June 2019 Phete signed for Famalicao who also play in Portugal and only made one league appearance for the team.

Nicknamed ‘Cafu’ after the Brazilian right-back legend is a compliment to the South African who is an extremely versatile player that loves being on the pitch, regardless of what position he is playing in.

leaving Guimarães will be looking to continue this good form and prove he is good enough to play in the big leagues.

A player who has been developing at an impressive rate since

THE 26-YEAR-OLD BEGAN HIS CAREER WITH STARS OF AFRICA FOOTBALL ACADEMY.

The Kimberly born midfielder will hope he has found a home in new side Belenenses after already featuring in 15 league matches for his new side as well as managing to get his name on the scoresheet on one occasion.

Phete is a defensive midfielder who has spent most of his time playing on the right of a three-man defensive backline.

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Liam Jordan Liam Jordan, son of Keryn Jordan, a former footballer in South Africa who played for Manning Rangers.

The Jordan family moved to New Zeland in 2004 where Jordan spent his youth days with Auckland City before moving back to South Africa in 2014 to play for Bidvest Wits.

At the age of just 16, the forward made his first team debut for

Bidvest Wits in a Nedbank Cup fixture against the University of Pretoria.

His impressive spell in South Africa earnt him a move to Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon where he was loaned to the reserve signed in a move that was later made permanent.

Born in Durban, Jordan currently plays his football in Denmark with HB Koge in what initially was a loan made permanent six months later.

Jordan has found himself playing first team football for his current side, making 64 appearances for his club in all competitions, managing 11 goals and 12 assists since he joined the club.

Speaking to KickOff on how legend Cristiano Ronaldo influenced his style of play, he said: “As I grew up, I loved

BORN IN DURBAN, JORDAN CURRENTLY PLAYS HIS FOOTBALL IN DENMARK WITH HB KOGE IN WHAT INITIALLY WAS A LOAN MADE PERMANENT SIX MONTHS LATER. watching Ronaldo at [Manchester] United. He was the first player I really watched. He was exciting, powerful, dynamic and a fantastic forward. I had the same abilities as him when I was younger.

I was fast, I was stronger than most of the kids my age. I could shoot differently, and I loved the way he hit a ball.�

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Kurt Abrahams Kurt Abrahams is a striker whose path to European football was not easy as growing up in Lavender Hill in the Cape Flats of Cape Town, Abrahams was rejected on several occasions due to coaches believing he was too short and lacked strength.

Abrahams persevered and attended a trial with Cape Town United and after spending several

years with Cape Town United, well-known youth coach Colin Gie organised a trial with Belgian side Sint-Truidense VV when the striker turned 18.

Abrahams has all the qualities to be an established footballer, a tremendous amount of pace as well as being incredibly agile on the ball.

After impressing the coaches, the move was made permanent in 2017. His only league goals for the Belgian side came in a 7-0 victory where Abrahams scored a hat-trick in just eighteen minutes.

The club therefore extended the 24-year-olds contract, but his first team minutes were limited and for that reason, Abrahams moved onto fellow Belgian side Westerlo who play in the Belgian First Division B.

The striker works hard on and off the ball, pressing from the front and his high levels of aggression makes him a difficult striker to pass around in the defensive areas. He is incredibly determined, and this determination could see the Cape Town born player makes moves similar to Percy Tau who as mentioned above, found his success in the second division in Belgium.

ABRAHAMS HAS ALL THE QUALITIES TO BE AN ESTABLISHED FOOTBALLER, A TREMENDOUS AMOUNT OF PACE AS WELL AS BEING INCREDIBLY AGILE ON THE BALL.

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Gift Links Gift Links is a 22-year-old winger who plays for one of the oldest clubs in Denmark, commonly known as AFG (Aarhus Gymnastikforening). Links spent his youth days with Platinum Stars in South Africa and was promoted to the first team in 2017 where he made six league appearances before moving to Egypt to play for AI Assiouty Sport and after a less than successful period in the north of Africa, the winger made his return to South Africa with Cape Town City where he played a major role in the club winning the MTN8.

His performances impressed many and this saw him make his move to AFG in September of 2019. At the age of just 21, Links had amounted R15.2 million in transfer fees which is impressive.

His move to Denmark cost the Danish club R13.4 million which is a large fee for a player from South Africa.

At his current age of 22, Links will be hoping to continue his rise to stardom and already scoring three and assisting two in just ten appearances shows we will be hearing more from the winger in the coming years.

Links’ technical ability really sticks out with his dribbling and crossing ability being very impressive as well as being quick and agile, he is the full package when it comes to what a manager expects from his wingers. He is incredibly young and has been on an upward trajectory since he made his name on the big stage and with determination, he can continue improving as the years go by.

The future looks promising for Bafana Bafana with several above-mentioned players paving ways into what is considered the best league in the world, the English Premier League as well as established stars who are impressing for their clubs.

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South Africans can look forward to seeing the nations young guns and older players showcasing their ability in Europe and improve the state of South African football on the international stage. Ă™

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CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GUIDE

CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE

GUIDE

BY ZAAHID NANABHAY The 2020/2021 CAF Champions League will see two South African teams participating in the form of Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns after they successfully qualified for the tournament.

Last season’s ABSA Premiership winners and runners-up booked their place in Africa’s elite club competition group stages courtesy of strong qualifying round performances.

Mamelodi Sundowns were exempted from the opening

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qualification round due to their superior ranking on the continent before easing past Botswana’s Jwaneng Galaxy FC in the final qualification round, while Kaizer Chiefs had to overcome PWD Bamenda before an incredible victory over Angolan giants Premiero De Agosto.

Kaizer Chiefs’ qualification was a historical moment at the club with the Amakhosi making it to the group stages for the first time ever. Chiefs turned 50 years old in 2020 however they were yet to feature in the elite tournament.

Mamelodi Sundowns on the

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hand are a common face in the tournament and more so during recent years.

Masandawana have not only been consistently qualifying for the CAF Champions League but have also become a powerhouse on the continent mainly thanks to former coach Pitso Mosimane who prioritised the competition during recent years. Mamelodi Sundowns won their first CAF Champions League crown in 2016 and will undoubtedly be looking at securing a second star during the upcoming season.

Mamelodi Sundowns have appeared in the group stages on seven previous occasions while this season will be their eighth expedition on the continent.

Orlando Pirates on the other hand have also been flying the flag for South Africa after having made four appearances in the CAF Champions League group stages. The Buccaneers won the title in 1997 while falling just short in 2013.

Apart from Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates, three other South African teams have featured in the CAF Champions League group stages. Manning Rangers, Ajax Cape Town and SuperSport United complete the list while Kaizer Chiefs will become the sixth.

South African clubs in the CAF Champions League Mamelodi Sundowns: Eight appearances

THE FIRST LEGS WILL BE PLAYED ON 14 FEBRUARY WITH THE RETURN GAMES SCHEDULED FOR ONE WEEK LATER.

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(2000, 2001, 2016, 2017, 2018, 2019, 2020, 2021) Orlando Pirates: Four appearances (1997, 2006, 2013, 2019) Kaizer Chiefs: One appearance (2021) Ajax Cape Town: One appearance (2005) SuperSport United: One appearance (2004) Manning Rangers: One appearance (1998)

2020/2021 CAF Champions League group stage draw The draw for the 2020/21 Total CAF Champions League Group Stage took place at the CAF Headquarters in Cairo, Egypt on 08 January 2021. The draw was conducted by CAF Head of competitions Khlaed Nassar and Egyptian legend Hossam Ghaly.

The pots heading into the draw were as follows: Pot 1 Al Ahly Wydad Casablanca EspĂŠrance de Tunis TP Mazembe Pot 2 Zamalek Mamelodi Sundowns Horoya AS Vita Club Pot 3 Al Hilal Petro de Luanda Simba MC Alger Pot 4 Al Merrikh CR Belouizdad Teungueth Kaizer Chiefs Each group had to feature one team from the four pots as stated above. There were no other draw restrictions meaning both Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs could have been drawn in the same group despite being from the same country.

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CAF CHAMPIONS LEAGUE GUIDE

Draw in full Group A Al Ahly (Egypt) Al-Merrikh SC (Sudan) Simba (Tanzania) AS Vita Club (DR Congo) Group B TP Mazembe (DR Congo) CR Belouizdad (Algeria) Al Hilal (Sudan) Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa)

Match Day 3 – 5th/6th of March 2021

1978 – Canon Yaounde (Cameroon)

Match Day 4 – 16th of March 2021

1980 – Canon Yaounde (Cameroon)

Match Day 5 – 2nd/3rd of April 2021

1982 – Ahly (Egypt)

Match Day 6 – 9th/10th of April 2021 Past winners of the CAF Champions League 1965 – Oryx Douala (Cameroon)

1979 – Union Douala (Cameroon) 1981 – JE Tizi Ouzou (Algeria) 1983 – Asante Kotoko (Ghana) 1984 – Zamalek (Egypt) 1985 – Royal Armed Forces (Morocco) 1986 – Zamalek (Egypt) 1987 – Al Ahli (Egypt)

Group C Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) Kaizer Chiefs (South Africa) Petro Atletico (Angola) Horoya (Guinea)

1966 – Stade Abidjan (Ivory Coast)

Group D Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia) Zamalek (Egypt) TeMC Alger (Algeria) Teungueth (Senegal)

1969 – Ismaili (Egypt)

1992 – Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)

1970 – Asante Kotoko (Ghana)

1993 – Zamalek (Egypt)

1971 – Canon Yaounde (Cameroon)

1994 – Esperance (Tunisia)

1972 – Hafia Conakry (Guinea) 1973 – Vita Club (Zaire)

1995 – Orlando Pirates (South Africa)

1974 – CARA Brazzaville (Congo)

1996 – Zamalek (Egypt)

1975 – Hafia Conakry (Guinea)

1997 – Raja Casablanca (Morocco)

1976 – Mouloudia Alger (Algeria)

1998 – ASEC Abidjan (Ivory Coast)

Schedule: Match Day 1 – 12th/13th of February 2021 Match Day 2 – 23rd of February 2021

1988 – Entente Setif (Algeria)

1967 – TP Englebert (Congo-Kinshasa)

1989 – Raja Casablanca (Morocco)

1968 – TP Englebert (Congo-Kinshasa)

1991 – Club Africain (Tunisia)

1977 – Hafia Conakry (Guinea)

1990 – JS Kabylie (Algeria)

1999 – Raja Casablanca (Morocco) 2000 – Hearts of Oak (Ghana) 2001 – Ahly (Egypt) 2002 – Zamalek (Egypt) 2003 – Enyimba (Nigeria) 2004 – Enyimba (Nigeria) 2005 – Ahly (Egypt) 2006 – Ahly (Egypt) 2007 – Etoile Sahel (Tunisia) 2008 – Ahly (Egypt) 2009 – TP Mazembe Englebert (DR Congo)

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2010 – TP Mazembe Englebert (DR Congo) 2011 – Esperance (Tunisia) 2012 – Ahly (Egypt) 2013 – Ahly (Egypt) 2014 – Entente Setif (Algeria) 2015 – TP Mazembe Engelbert (DR Congo) 2016 – Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) 2017 – Wydad Casablanca (Morocco)

Orlando Pirates (South Africa) – 1 title

Gor Mahia (Kenya) v Napsa Stars (Zambia)

2020 – Ahly (Egypt)

ASEC Mimosas (Ivory Coast) – 1 title

Nkana FC (Zambia) v Tihad Casablanca (Morocco)

Most titles by club

Mamelodi Sundowns (South Africa) – 1 title

Bouenguedi Sport (Gabon) v Salitas FC (Burkina Faso)

Oryx Douala (Cameroon) – 1 title

Asante Kotoko v Entente Setif (Algeria)

2018 – Esperance (Tunisia) 2019 – Esperance (Tunisia)

Al Ahly (Egypt) – 9 titles Zamalek (Egypt) – 5 titles TP Mazembe (DR Congo) – 5 titles Esperance de Tunis (Tunisia) – 4 titles Hafia FC (Guinea) – 3 titles Raja Casablanca (Morocco) – 3 titles Canon Yaounde (Senegal) – 3 titles Asante Kotoko (Ghana) – 2 titles Wydad Casablanca (Morocco) – 2 titles JS Kabylie (Algeria) – 2 titles Enyimba (Nigeria) – 2 titles ES Setif (Algeria) – 2 titles Vita Club (DR Congo) – 1 title Hearts of Oak (Ghana) – 1 title Étoile du Sahel (Tunisia) – 1 title Ismaily (Egypt) – 1 title

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Stade d’Abidjan (Ivory Coast) – 1 title CARA Brazzaville (Congo) – 1 title MC Alger (Algeria) – 1 title Union Douala (Cameroon) – 1 title FAR Rabat (Morocco) – 1 title Club Africain (Tunisia) – 1 title CAF Confederations Cup Knockout qualification round draw in full

Young Buffaloes (Swaziland) v Etoile Sahel (Tunisia) AS Sonidep (Niger) v Coton Sport (Cameroon) Al Ahli Benghazi (Libya) v DC Motema Pembe (DR Congo) Stade Malien (Mali) v JS Kabylie (Algeria) RC Abidjan (Ivory Coast) v Pyramids FC (Egypt)

Enyimba (Nigeria) v Rivers United (Nigeria)

Jwaneng Galaxy (Botswana) v Orlando Pirates (South Africa)

Platinum FC (Zimbabwe) v Diaraf Dakar (Senegal)

Renaissance Berkane (Morocco) walkover to the group stage

Primiero Agosto (Angola) v Namungo (Tzanzaia) Raja Casablanca (Morocco) v US Monastir (Tunisia) CS Sfaxie (Tunisia) v AS Kigali (Rwanda)

The first legs will be played on 14 February with the return games scheduled for one week later. The aggregate winners will advance to the group competition. Ù

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