The United States of America has become a new destination of choice for South African players making moves abroad, with Cassius Mailula's move to the MLS with Toronto FC being the latest. Here are some relatively unknown SA players who are based in the USA.
Mailula is set to join the likes of former Maritzburg United striker Bongokuhle Hlongwane and former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Njabulo Blom, both already doing well for Minnesota United and St. Louis City respectively, in the MLS.
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But there has been a number of other South African players who are currently based in the USA, though little is known of them.
1. Katlego Ntsabeleng (FC Dallas, MLS)
Ntsabeleng, 25, was signed by FC Dallas, who are competing in the MLS Western Conference, in January last year, from Oregon State University.
'Tsiki' formely played for Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns reserves, the University of Johannesburg and also represented the U20 national team.
The 25-year-old attacker was linked with the New York Red Bulls in 2021 after he impressed playing for Oregon.
2. Itumeleng Mashobane (San Diego Loyal, USL Championship)
Mashobane, a midfielder, who also went through the Chiefs youth structures, between 2013 and 2014, before moving to the USA in 2016 via the Olivet Nazarene University scholarship.
3. Mbongeni Kanyane (Fort Wayne, USL League Two)
Kanyane went to the USA through the Putnam Science Academy, where he was signed by University of Dayton and later joined Fort Wayne.
The left-back had played for SuperSport United and Bidvest Wits' youth teams and also represented the U-20 national team of South Africa.
4. Ethan Jansen (GK, Atlanta United Academy)
Jansen, 17, is currently part of the SA national youth teams, playing for the U17 side as a goalkeeper. He holds dual citizenship, alongside that of the USA.
5. Philakhe Dlamini (Lexington SC, USL League One)
Born in Durban, Dlamini came through the KZN Football Academy and played for Golden Arrows and AmaZulu's youth teams.
The defensive midfielder has also represented the SA U20 national team and was with Uthongathi before moving to SVSU Cardinals in August 2022 and was signed by Lexington in January this year.
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