The PSL has produced some of Africa’s greatest players in 30 years and we look at some of the most underrated South African footballers who played their entire careers in South Africa.
The likes of Benni McCarthy, Lucas Radebe and Shaun Bartlett started their careers in the PSL before moving overseas where they went on to become bigger stars. Players such as Itumeleng Khune, Teko Modise and Surprise Moriri spent their entire career playing local, and managed to become Bafana Bafana legends over the years.
Let’s look at some of the greatest but underrated PSL players who never got full credit.
Daine Klate
‘Matatazela’ is considered one of the most decorated footballers in the country, having won 15 trophies. This includes six league titles with three different clubs, a rare accomplishment for a South African. Having left SuperSport United with three titles to his name, Klate joined Pirates and won two more league titles which saw him become the first player to win five straight league titles.
Dikgang Mabalane
Terminator is no doubt one of the most underrated players to ever play in the PSL. It’s still not fully understood why the former Orlando Pirates winger only earned a handful of caps for the national team. Having played professional football for nearly 20 years, Mabalane has won more than 10 trophies in his playing career.
Patrick Mayo
If you started watching football in the late 2000s, you might not know Patrick Mayo. The former Kaizer Chiefs defender played as a forward in the 90s and was one of the top-rated strikers in the mid to late 90s. Mayo scored 40 goals for Bush Bucks before moving to SuperSport United.
He moved to Chiefs in 2003 where he was converted to a defender. He remains one of the underrated players in the history of the PSL.
Daniel “Mambush” Mudau
Mambush was one of the most feared strikers in the PSL in the late 90s and early 2000s. The former Bafana Bafana striker joined Mamelodi Sundowns in 1992 from Ratanang Maholosiane and went on to score nearly 200 goals for the club.
PSL most underrated players include Vuyo Mere
To this day, he remains the most lethal striker in the country who has never played overseas. With the emergence of Katlego Mphela, Peter Shalulile and Bradley Grobler over the years, it’s easy to forget the Likes of Mambush. The retired striker scored title-winning goals for Masandawana.
Vuyo Mere
Mere is not only a legend of the game but was a true role model for aspiring footballers. The 41-year-old former right-back hung up his boots last year after 21 years. He played football at Mamelodi Sundowns and Platinum Stars, winning several trophies including two league titles.
Who are your top 5?
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Crédito: Link de origem