Cape Town City FC chairman John Comitis has shared his perspective on the challenges South African players face in North African clubs, reflecting on striker Khanyisa Mayo’s return from CR Belouizdad.
In recent years, there’s been a noticeable increase in transfers between the PSL and North African clubs. However, many South African players have struggled to adapt, with financial disputes being the most common issue.
For example, players like Elias Mokwana have reportedly gone for months without receiving their salaries at clubs like Tunisia’s Esperance Tunis.
Comitis has firsthand experience with the challenges players face in North Africa, having sent a few of his own to clubs there, including Mayo, who recently joined Kaizer Chiefs on loan.
“You have to have a very strong character to play in North Africa,” Comitis told FARPost. “You pretty much live to your own devices. You have to have a strong will because you are playing amongst players that have a different culture and language, and a lot of them are proper men.”
The CT City boss added: “It is very difficult, and I think the Middle East is a bit easier, but I think North Africa is particularly difficult. But you know, when there is quality, there is quality, and Mayo had that, so he did very well there, so they found it difficult to leave him out.
WHY DO PSL PLAYERS STRUGGLE TO STAY IN NORTH AFRICA?
Perhaps the most common issue PSL players have encountered is the early releases, with most struggling to maintain their stays in the North. Players like Phakamani Mahlambi, Cassius Mailula and Haashim Domingo, amongst others, have been sent packing in less than two seasons.
Comitis alluded to the constant rotation of management as a common trend in North African clubs and perhaps the main reason why SA players struggle to stay.
“Unfortunately, what happens in those countries, a lot of these clubs change presidents, committees and management every two years or so, and they come with new ideas and their own people and their own players, so things change,” he concluded.
However, the most recent migrant, Thembinkosi Lorch, promises to be a curse breaker with Wydad Athletic Club, having fought tooth and nail to secure the South African midfielder. Lorch has already scored for Wydad this season in the two appearances he has made.