From Stars of Africa to Sweden…

Surprise Ralani ( Cape Town City) – He joined Helsingborg IF in January 2009, but was later sent on loan to IFK Hassleholm in the Swedish lower league where his game-breaking ability was revered by many. However, his progress was stunted by persistent injuries. The speedy winger soon made a step up to Landskrona BOIS, where he played under the legendary Henrik Larsson (known for stints at Barcelona and Manchester United). In five seasons, Ralani made 93 league starts and scored 16 goals.

May Mahlangu (PFC Ludogorets Razgrad, Bulgaria) – Bo Nilsson, who was the manager of Helsingborg IF in 2008, took Mahlangu to Sweden where he would train with both Helsingborg and fourth tier club IFK Hassleholm. After an impressive display in the lower league, Helsingborg permanently made him part of the squad in 2009. The club went on to win the Swedish league in 2011, with Mahlangu bagging the Player of the Year award. In 2014, he went on to join IFK Goteborg on a one-year contract.

Tokelo Rantie (Cape Town City) – TK joined one of the country’s top sides, Malmo FF, where he was no stranger to Swedish football after having been on loan at IFK Hassleholm. His contract with the club was until 2016, and in 2013, his displays on the field caught the attention of AFC Bournemouth in the English Premiership, whom he joined in a big-money move.

Luther Singh (GD Chaves, Portugal) – The striker joined GAIS in the second tier in Sweden at the age of 18. Despite his club’s struggles to win matches as they flirted in the relegation zone, Singh managed to shine on the field and even outplayed fellow South African, Pule Maraisane, who had been in the team prior to Singh’s signing. He then went on to play for Sporting Braga in Portugal.

Pule Maraisane (Cerkezkoy 1911 Dogan Spor, Turkey) – He struggled to make an impact at Scandinavian club GAIS, playing in 14 games in all competitions in 17 months, assisting on two occasions with no goals under his belt.