South Africa’s top 5 strikers of all time

South Africa has had some of the best strikers on the continent. Here is a list of South Africa’s top 5 strikers of all time

5) Katlego Mphela

A product of Jomo Cosmos Katlego Mphela is one of the few South African strikers to play for a topflight side abroad after turning out for Strasbourg and then Stade Reims in the French Lig 1. Popularly known for his goal scoring feats, Mphela has also turned out for top South African sides Supersport United, Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns. Killer also boasts of having represented his country at under 23 and senior level.

4) Jerry Sikhosana

One of the finest strikers ever produced by South Africa Jerry Sikhosana is remembered for his pace and proficiency in front of goal. Sikhosana spent most of his career at Orlando Pirates but however had stints with Amazulu, Witbank Aces and Tembisa Classic. The former forward also represented South Africa at senior level.

3)Marks Maponyane

One of the most prolific strikers top come out of South Africa, Marks Maponyane is renowned for an illustrious career at Kaizer Chiefs where he holds the record of most number of goals for the club. Maponyane scored a staggering 85 goals for Chiefs before moving to Dynamos. Orlando Pirates and Wits University are other teams Maponyane played for. Marks also turned out for his country.

2) Phil Masinga

Abustling forward with the true traits of a striker Phil Masinga will forever be remebered for his ability to shield the ball away from his opponents but most importantly his eye for goal and killer instinct in the final third. Having been groomed by Kaizer Chiefs Masinga turned out for Jomo Cosmos and Mamleodi Sundowns before moving to England where he turned out for Leeds United. In Europe Masinga also had stints with St Gallen as welll as Seria A side Bari. Masinga had a successful period with Bafana Bafana and was part of the squad that conquered Africa at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations.

1) Benni Mccarthy

Benni Mccarthy is without doubt the best ever forward to come out of South Africa. Blessed with speed, an eye for goal and natural game intelligence Mccarthy was born in Cape Town. As a junior Benni played for Young Pirates and caught the eye of Seven Stars. Benni would thereafter catch the eye of Ajax Amsterdam where he had an impressive stint. From Ajax Amsterdam Mccarthy moved to Spain where he played for Celta Vigo. Celta Vigo would however loan him out to FC Porto, a club where he greatly excelled, producing scintillating performances in the Portuguese topflight league as well as in the champions league. Benni’s abilities attracted the attention of English clubs and was lured to one of the toughest leagues in Europe when he was signed by Blackburn Rovers. Other than Blackburn, Benni turned out for West Ham before returning home where he ended his career at Orlando Pirates.