Baxter should make room for quintet
Of the SA youngsters based overseas, Luther Singh has had a look-in from Bafana Bafana coach Stuart Baxter, but there are many others who should at the very least be closely monitored. Tiyani Mabasa takes a closer look
Liam Jordan (HB Kobe, Denmark)
Now based in Denmark after a frustrating spell in the development ranks of Portuguese side Sporting Lisbon, the 20-year-old striker has found his feet at the Danish first division club, who he joined on a two-year contract earlier this year. With two goals and five assists in 11 appearances, Jordan appears to be on course to establishing himself in Europe.
Siphesihle Mdlalose (Southampton U23, England)
Last year, the 19-year-old penned a professional contract with the English Premier League side, but continues to play in their youth ranks. The attacking midfielder has come through Saints’ academy since leaving SA with his family at the age of five and he’s been making steady progress in the United Kingdom.
Tyrique Bartlett (Newcastle United U23, England)
The son of former Bafana Bafana striker Shaun Bartlett, Tyrique, who also plays in the same position, is trying to make a name for himself in the reserve team of the Magpies.
The 19-year-old has big shoes to fill considering his old man played 74 games for SA’s senior national team and is the second top scorer of all time with 29 goals.
A product of the University of Pretoria’s youth team, Tyrique is also tipped for a great future.
Mihlali Mayambela (Farense, Portugal)
Formerly with the Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates junior teams, Mayambela, 22, has now settled in Portugal, where he turns out for the Segunda Liga side. Mayambela is on a one-season loan from Swedish side Djurgaden. Chippa United skipper Mark Mayambela’s kid brother told Sowetan several months ago that he’s ready to work his socks off to get a nod for the national team.
Sphephelo Sithole (Vitoria Setubal U23, Portugal)
The Amajita midfielder left Portuguese giants Sporting Lisbon for Vitoria in August, where he’s still expected to blossom. Sithole, 19, is from the KwaZulu-Natal Academy, which has sent a few players to Portugal.