23 January 2019, by: Thathe Msimango

The Best Foreign Players in PSL History

Over a period of two decades, Premier Soccer League (PSL) has been graced with football talents from all over the world. Some made a huge impact and found a way into fan’s hearts with their performances and dedication to serving their club.

That’s why we at BET Central believe it is time to look at the best foreign players that remain in the football fanatics minds of South Africa since 1996 through heroic performances.

The former Kaizer Chiefs defender won every domestic trophy on offer in South Africa during his 12 fruitful seasons at the Naturena between 1998 to 2006 before hanging up his boots. He formed a formidable centre-back partnership with Fabian McCarthy in 2003/04 season when Chiefs scooped a league title after losing only three games all season long and conceding mere 11 goals in 30 games. His leadership, composure, and vision to read the game remain unmatched. He also remains as one of the best penalty kickers we ever saw.

The numbers don’t lie. Commonly known as ” Tico Tico”, he was a lethal, proven goal scorer during his days with Jomo Cosmos. He is on the list as one of only a handful strikers to reach 100 goals in PSL. The Mozambiquan international scored 106 goals in 276 games and won the Coca Cola Cup and SAA Supa 8 with Jomo Cosmos. But he failed to replicate his form after he joined Supersport United before having a brief spell with Soweto giants Orlando Pirates. But his eye for the goal and intelligent runs are some of his best attributes.

The 29-year-old dribbling wizard has entertained fans for over a decade since arriving in the Mzansi. His skills, ability to take on defenders and the goal-scoring figures are what make him one of the best attackers in the league. He enjoyed a decorated five-year spell with Mamelodi Sundowns winning the CAF Champions League, Absa Premiership as well as forming one of the best striking combination (commonly known as CBD) with Leonardo Castro and Keagan Dolly. The Zimbabwean star has won Player of the Season, Players’ Player of the Season and the Best Midfielder of the Season during his time in the league.

The former Kaizer Chiefs striker dominated the headlines during the 2010/11 PSL season which saw him scooping the Lesley Manyathela Golden Boot Award with 15 goals in 28 games. He then joined 1899 Hoffeinham in Germany. Nicknamed the smiling assassin, Musona is arguably one of the most gifted foreign players to ply their trade in the ABSA Premiership. Pace, vision, skill coupled with an eye for goal made him a darling of the Kaizer Chiefs team.

Peg the PSL record books than you’ll find the name of Collins Mbesuma. One of the greatest strikers to play in the ABSA premiership, Mbesuma boasts an eye-catching record having scored 27 goals in the 2004-2005 season at Kaizer Chiefs, which is the record that stands even today. The Zambian International took the league by storm and hit the ground running, he also belongs to a premium group of players that have scored 100 goals.

One of the few players to play for the ‘big four’; Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns and Moroka Swallows. If other strikers we have seen in PSL are sharpshooters, goal poacher then Mbesuma deserve a ” Beast ” status. He still goes strong as he bangs for fun in the GladAfrica Championship side the University of Pretoria.

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