Top 5 Most successful South Africans to play in Europe.
1. Lucas Radebe
Lucas Radebe signed for Leeds United in 1994 from Kaizer Chiefs for a transfer fee of £250, 000. Radebe made 200 appearances for the Yorkshire side and also became the team captain. During his spell as captain Leeds qualified for and reached the semifinals of the Uefa Champions League.
2. Sibusiso Zuma
Zuma left Orlando Pirates for F.C Copenhagen in the year 2000, where he was voted into the clubs hall of fame and 2013 his bicycle kick goal was voted as goal of the century.
3. Benni McCarthy
Benni McCarthy moved overseas to play for Celta Vigo in 1999 from Ajax Cape Town. McCarthy is also the only South African player to win the Uefa Champions league with FC Porto playing under coach Jose Mourinho.
4. Steven Pienaar
Pienaar is another who moved from Ajax Cape Town to Europe. In 2006 he landed a move to Borussia Dortmound, then later went on to play for Everton. At the peak of his career Tottenham Hotspurs came knocking and Pienaar moved for a fee of £3 Million on a four year contract.
5. Quinton Fortune
Fortune has never played professional football in South Africa as he moved to Europe destined for Tottenham Hotspurs at the age of 14. After moving from team to team he eventually found his way to Manchester United in 1999 for a fee of £1,5 Million.
By Jimmy Modise
