Current SA players following in their Fathers’ footsteps
SA football has a long history of players following in their fathers’ footsteps. These current footballers are making waves in the PSL, DDC, and overseas, striving to replicate their fathers’ successes, ensuring the family legacy continues.
While the pressure to live up to such a legacy can be overwhelming, these players have demonstrated exceptional promise and are forging their own unique paths in the beautiful game.
From midfield maestros to defensive stalwarts, these players are carrying the torch of their family’s footballing legacy.
FARPost looks at current SA players eager to replicate the successes of their legendary fathers.
EMILE WITBOOI
Witbooi, the son of former Cape Town City FC and Mamelodi Sundowns star Surprise Ralani, is following in his father’s footsteps. The 15-year-old central midfielder is currently making waves in the Cape Town City reserve team and representing South Africa at the junior level.
TEBOHO MOKOENA
The Mamelodi Sundowns midfield maestro is the son of the late Alexis Motaung. Motaung, who passed on in 2010, played his football in the 1990s. He had stints with clubs like Hellenic FC and now-defunct Free State Stars. The Bafana Bafana international, Teboho, started his professional football with Tshwane side SuperSport United in the 2016/17 campaign, then was snapped by Masandawana in the middle of the 2021/22 season.
LEBOGANG PHIRI
Legendary Esau Phiri is the father to the talented SA midfielder Lebogang. During his playing days, Esau had stints with the now-defunct Thembisa Classic who were playing in the PSL. On the other hand, Lebogang is based overseas. Currently, he’s playing for French Ligue 2 side Guingamp.
ADEN McCarthy
The 20-year-old is currently with Kaizer Chiefs, a team that his father, Fabian McCarthy, also played for and was successful as he won many trophies with the club, including the league title. Interestingly, Fabian was a centre-back during his playing days and Aden is also a centre-back. The Chiefs academy graduate is still waiting to debut for the senior team after graduating in 2023.
NKOSANA MBUTHU
The rising youngster is currently with the Kaizer Chiefs senior team after impressing with the reserve side last season. His father, Patrick Mbuthu, also played for Chiefs during his playing days. The versatile Nkosana made his senior debut in the Toyota Cup against Tanzanian giants Young Africans last month.
KHANYISA MAYO
Khanyisa Mayo followed the same career path as his father, Patrick Mayo. Patrick Mayo used to play for the Soweto giants, Kaizer Chiefs. On the other hand, the Bafana Bafana international Khanyisa recently joined Algerian side CR Belouizdad from Cape Town City FC.
LEBOHANG MABOE
Mamelodi Sundowns star Lebohang Maboe is the son of former footballer Sidwell Maboe. During his playing days, Sidwell played for PSL giants Orlando Pirates. The talented attacker, Lebohang, started his professional football career at Maritzburg United [now called Durban City FC] in 2017.
THATO MOHLAMME
Mohlamme is the son of Benedict ‘Tso’ Vilakazi. The former Bafana Bafana international ‘Tso’ is well-known in the SA football fraternity, having played for teams like Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and now-defunct Mpumalanga Black Aces. Mohlamme is currently playing for Richards Bay FC, having joined the club in the 2023/24 season.
BRADLEY GROBLER
Veteran striker Bradley Grobler is the son of Les Grobler. Back in the day, Les was a striker for Moroka Swallows. He is currently one of the development coaches at Highlands Park FC. On the other hand, Bradley is at SuperSport United and is one of the key players at the Tshwane side.
RYAN MOON
Striker Ryan Moon emulated his father, Patrick Moon, by playing football. Patrick once played for Maritzburg United during his playing days. The former Kaizer Chiefs attacker, Ryan, is currently with KZN side Golden Arrows and is one of the core players of the team. Bryce Moon, who is a former Bafana star, is also the son of Patrick
SAMKELO ZWANE
Chiefs starlet Samkelo is the son of Orlando Pirates legend Eugene Zwane. Samkelo was promoted to the Amakhosi senior team in the 2022/23 campaign. The 22-year-old struggled for game time last season due to stiff competition. In his position, there are players like Sibongiseni Mthethwa, Yusuf Maart and Edson Castillo but he has been tipped as a future star.
SIYABULELA SHAI
Retired footballer Isaac Shai is the father of experienced midfielder Siyabulela Shai. Isaac played for Mamelodi Sundowns and also represented Bafana Bafana. Siyabulela is well-travelled in the PSL, having played for teams like Black Leopards, Chippa United, Marumo Gallants and Sekhukhune United. Currently, he’s at Motsepe Foundation Championship side Platinum City Rovers.
RAFIQ DE GOEDE
The Cape Town Spurs defender followed his father’s footsteps in playing football. Rafiq’s father is Faried de Goede, and he made a name for himself many years ago when he was a defender for Hellenic FC. Rafiq has played for PSL teams like Maritzburg United and Stellenbosch FC.
RELEBOHILE MOFOKENG
The Bafana Bafana and Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng followed in the footsteps of his father, Sechaba Mofokeng. Sechaba played for teams like now-defunct Tembu Royals in the Vodacom League [now called the ABC Motsepe League], and scored a screamer in the Nedbank Cup against AmaZulu FC.
The 19-year-old ‘Rele’ has attracted interest from abroad following his good displays for ‘The Sea Robbers’ and has started the new 2024/25 season like a house on fire.
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