How SA stars have fared in North Africa
Following Percy Tau’s exploits at Egyptian giants Al Ahly, North Africa is becoming an easy hunting ground for South African football stars.
Tau left indelible memories during his time at Al Ahly. However, a number of prolific South Africans have cut teeth into North Africa to showcase themselves.
FARPost looks at how the SA stars in North Africa have fared. These are Elias Mokwana, Cassius Mailula, Thembonkosi Lorch, Khanyisa Mayo and Fagrie Lakay.
First, Mokwana is making his presence felt in Tunisia at Esperance. The former Sekhukhune United winger won his first title with the club a fortnight ago. He scored the first goal as they put up a fine performance to beat Stade Tunisien 2-0 in the final.
Mokwana has been commanding a first-team place in Tunisia. In total, the Bafana Bafana international has made 24 appearances across all competitions, with 18 in the Ligue 1 Pro. The other six were in the CAF Champions League.
In terms of goals, Mokwana has two league goals under his belt and three in the CAF Champions League. Additionally, the 25-year-old has contributed three assists.
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In Morocco, former Mamelodi Sundowns star Mailula is slowly clicking the right gears after he struggled for game time in the Major League Soccer [MLS] in the USA.
Mailula is currently on loan from Toronto FC. Crucially, he has been a vital cog in Rulani Mokwena’s Wydad AC arsenal as they seek to account for the Botola Pro 1 title.
The 23-year-old has made 18 appearances in the league and three in the Excellence Cup. Moreover, he has managed five goals and five assists in the league.
With his loan deal ending in August 2025, it remains to be seen how he will fare until the season ends. Meanwhile, Lorch is still trying to adjust at Wydad AC after joining them at the end of January on loan from Sundowns. He has featured in three games so far.
It was not a good weekend for them after dropping points at home on Saturday against CODM. Both Cassius Mailula and Thembinkosi Lorch were in action but could not score. In addition, it was Lorch’s first start after joining Wydad on loan from Mamelodi Sundowns.
In Algeria, striker Khanyisa Mayo is raising the South African flag high at CR Belouizdad. Mayo has been thrown into the fray 26 times across all competitions.
These include the Ligue Professionnelle, Coup de’Algerie, Supercoupe de’Algerie and the CAF Champions League. Additionally, the former Cape Town City marksman has scored five goals.
In Egypt, Fagrie Lakay has given a good account of himself at Cleopatra FC, where he is on loan from Pyramids FC. The 27-year-old has made 14 appearances in the Egyptian Premier League.
He has also played in the Egypt Super Cup and the CAF Champions League this season. In total, he has scored four goals and registered four assists this season.
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