Contrasting fortunes for two South African wingers in Denmark

Compared to previous eras, there would appear to be fewer South African footballers getting opportunities beyond their own borders, particularly in the top European leagues. Within the current generation, it seems difficult to see any of the current crop matching the feats of previous national team icons, including the likes of Benni McCarthy or Aaron Mokoena.

But any time South African players do take steps to establish themselves overseas, inevitably, South African football fans are always keen to follow their progress. Indeed, the beautiful game has made wagering on the sport a popular pastime, although just like any activity, one should always look for good advice. This is why SBO is keen to focus primarily on reviews and guides for safe betting sites, ensuring they are thoroughly analysed and vetted, before being recommended to punters.

Insofar as the safest options any footballer can take in their careers, well, they can often encounter professional pathways filled with many twists and turns, as two South African wingers are currently experiencing in Denmark. One appears to have firmly established himself, while the other appears to be finding life difficult in the northern European country.

Luther Singh

Ever since making his initial breakthrough via the Stars of Africa Football Academy, there have always been great expectations around the career of Luther Singh, who first shone with the South Africa national under-20 team. He was the Golden Boot at both the 2016 COSAFA U-20 Championships, and the 2017 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

The talented winger took his first steps in European football with a switch to GAIS, then playing in the Swedish second tier. After first impressing with 2 goals in 8 appearances during his debut campaign, the following 2016 Superettan campaign saw him bag 9 goals in 28 matches. Unfortunately, the next move to Portugal would ultimately prove frustrating.

Singh joined Primeira Liga side Braga ahead of the 2016-17 season, yet made just one cup appearance with the first team over the next two campaigns, instead playing for their B team in the Portuguese second tier. After 43 total games and 13 goals, he was loaned to Chaves midway through the 2018-19 season, contributing 2 goals in 17 games.

Bafana forward Luther Singh is set to bring a nightmare spell with Danish giants FC Copenhagen to an end before the transfer window closes.

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— Kick Off (@KickOffMagazine) August 13, 2022

Further loan moves followed with a switch to Moreirense for the 2019-20 season, then Paços de Ferreira during the 2020-21 campaign, which were largely impressive with both clubs in the Primera Liga. But with little chance of regular game time at Braga, Singh moved to Danish side FC Copenhagen in August 2021.

Sadly, this big step in Singh’s career hasn’t quite gone to plan. He made just 9 appearances in all competitions, often facing criticism from fans and pundits alike. In one UEFA Europa Conference League match in October 2021, he came on as a half-time substitute, only to be taken off before the final whistle.

“He looks like someone who ate three burgers before coming onto the pitch,” lambasted one Danish commentator. Singh was actually hospitalized after falling ill the following November, which his agent said was due to depression caused by such harsh criticism. Ahead of the 2022-23 season, it seems that Copenhagen are looking to loan Singh elsewhere, hopeful the 25-year-old can get his career back on track.

Gift Links

Hoping to take greater strides in Denmark this season is 23-year-old Gift Links, the man who boasts a superb name for someone tasked with setting up goals for his teammates. His career began with Platinum Stars, making his first team debut during the 2016-17 season in the South African Premier Division.

Following six appearances early in all competitions, early in the 2017-18 campaign, the quality of Links caught the attention of Al Assiouty Sport in the Egyptian Premier League. Nevertheless, after playing just half the 2017-18 season there and struggling to make an impact, after just 12 total appearances he was heading back home.

Cape Town City offered Links the chance to shine again in the South African Premier Division, which he did with aplomb, scoring 5 goals in 33 dazzling appearances at the club. This is what ultimately brought about the switch to Aarhus GF, who paid 800,000 Euros to acquire the attacking player.

Mr. Gift Links enjoying the summer 😍💪 #ksdh pic.twitter.com/PcbsmHNUic

— AGF_English (@AgfEnglish) July 7, 2022

Links has had to remain patient, taking each opportunity as they come. He made 21 appearances in all competitions during the 2019-20 campaign, weighing in with 1 goal and 1 assist. This was followed in the 2020-21 season by increased first team protagonism, making 36 appearances, adding 5 goals and 4 assists.

As the statistics for Links at Transfermarkt show, the 2021-22 campaign was undoubtedly tougher, as the South African featured in a relegation battle with AGF, as they fought for survival in the Danish Superligaen. However, they survived and he made 27 appearances in all competitions, weighing in with 3 goals and 1 assist.

Heading into the early stages of the 2022-23 campaign, Links has already featured 4 times in the Superligaen with AGF, albeit in brief substitute appearances from the bench. That being said, positional versatility makes him a valuable asset for club and country, definitely one to monitor with great interest over the coming season.