Former Bafana Bafana coach Pitso Mosimane has discussed why European clubs prefer signing Nigerian players over South Africans, Soccernet.ng reports.

Mosimane, a highly successful coach in Africa, commented on the issue following a challenging season for Burnley’s Lyle Foster. The 23-year-old South African forward made only 26 appearances in the Premier League.

Historically, South African players, like those in the victorious 1996 Africa Cup of Nations squad, had a significant impact in England.

Recently, however, top South African players such as Percy Tau have not matched those achievements, leading to hesitation among European clubs to sign players from the region.

In contrast, Nigerian players are excelling in Europe. Many  Super Eagles players are in top European leagues, with stars like  Napoli’s Victor Osimhen, Atalanta’s Ademola Lookman, and Bayer Leverkusen’s Victor Boniface performing well.

In a recent interview, Mosimane highlighted the need for South African players to meet the specific demands of European clubs.

He mentioned John Barnes’s observation that while South Africa has talented players, they often lack the type needed for the English Premier League. West African players, however, meet those requirements.

Mosimane pointed out that Nigerian players match the market demands, which is why they succeed at clubs like AC Milan and  Napoli.

Despite interest from European clubs in players like Teboho Mokoena and Khuliso Mudau, no transfers have materialised.

Meanwhile, Nigerian strikers such as Victor Boniface, Victor Osimhen, and Ademola Lookman are attracting attention from major European clubs like Juventus, Bayern Munich, Chelsea, and Manchester United.