South Africa burst onto the world football stage when it hosted the 2010 World Cup and is home to some of the most iconic players in African football history.
One-time AFCON champions Bafana Bafana have a special place in the hearts of football fans thanks to the 2010 tournament, whether it’s the sound of the vuvuzela, the memory of Kunan’s waving flag or the string of famous players that have emerged from the country over the years.
Below are the greatest South African footballers of all time, ranked by statistics, trophies and influence at club and international level.
rank | player | career span |
|---|---|---|
20 | bernard parker | 2003-2021 |
19 | Andre Arense | 1987-2006 |
18 | white john | 1987-2004 |
17 | Delron Buckley | 1996-2011 |
16 | macbeth sibaya | 1997–2013 |
15 | Sean Bartlett | 1992-2007 |
14 | mark fish | 1992-2005 |
13 | fill machine | 1990-2002 |
12 | quinton fortune | 1995-2010 |
11 | Aaron Mokoena | 1999–2013 |
10
Tshabalala was given to us
Siphiwe Tshabalala won 90 caps and scored 12 goals for South Africa during his career, but his influence goes far beyond the numbers on the statistics sheet, thanks to his stunning opening goal at the 2010 World Cup.
The versatile winger was part of the squad in three different AFCON campaigns and was also nominated for FIFA’s Puskas Award for his memorable strike against Mexico.
Known for his direct style of play, brilliant crosses and left-footed stick, he spent most of his club career at Kaizer Chiefs, winning South Africa’s top flight twice during his time at the famous club.
9
Teco Modise
Teko Modise is one of the greatest players in PSL history and was a star player for the national team in the late 2000s and early 2010s.
A member of the 2007 COSAFA Cup winning team, he was a complete box-to-box midfielder who could carry the ball and link play, as well as create chances with his passing.
His performances at AFCON and World Cup tournaments have shown his confidence and technical ability, and like Tshabalala, his influence extends far beyond the pitch, as he was one of just 10 world-class players chosen to wear the limited edition Nike Mercurial Superfly boots, along with Cristiano Ronaldo and Didier Drogba.
8
Itumeleng Khune
Itumeleng Khune is widely regarded as the country’s best ever goalkeeper.
His international achievements are defined by his longevity and memorable tournament performances representing his country in the AFCON tournament and the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
His ball-playing ability, shot-stopping and leadership from the back were crucial at a time when Bafana Bafana relied heavily on defensive stability.
Khune won the PSL three times with Kaizer Chiefs and was named the league’s Player of the Year in 2013.
7
Percy Tau
Percy Tau’s international influence is still growing, but his influence has been significant in recent years.
He became a mainstay in Bafana Bafana’s attack and played a key role in South Africa’s third-place finish at the 2023 AFCON, scoring one goal that season.
Tau’s performances at club level also reflect the modern evolution of South African football, with him becoming one of the few players to play in the Premier League with Brighton and in the UEFA Champions League with Club Brugge.
6
Jomoen
Jomo Sono’s career, which played during an era when South Africa was isolated from FIFA competition, is not defined by statistics.
He became the unofficial world representative of South African football through exhibition matches and international leagues.
When Bafana Bafana returned to international football, Sono’s influence became a bridge between generations, famously scoring four goals against Argentina, and serving as player-manager and interim manager on multiple occasions.
At club level, Sono played for some iconic clubs in South Africa and the United States, while his son Bamza later represented Bafana Bafana.
5
Steven Pienaar
Steven Pienaar has been a consistent and reliable presence for Bafana Bafana for generations, with one of the most impressive high-level club careers of any African player, making over 200 Premier League appearances and 27 Champions League appearances.
He represented South Africa at the FIFA World Cup and multiple AFCON tournaments, eventually captaining the national team.
Although his club career often attracted attention, Pienaar’s versatility, work rate and leadership were essential in stabilizing the national team during a period of transition, earning him 61 caps.
4
Neil Tovey
When you think of defenders from the good old days, you probably think of Neil Tovey.
Having made over 600 appearances for the club in South Africa, his international importance extends beyond his footballing abilities. As Bafana Bafana’s captain during the 1996 AFCON championship, he led the team through pressure-filled matches with calmness and authority.
His role as the first white captain in the post-apartheid era gave his leadership deep symbolic meaning, strengthening unity at a key moment in the country’s sporting history, and he played more than 50 times for his country, captaining the team on more than half of them.
3
Dr.Kumalo
The most capped player in Kaizer Chiefs’ history, Dr Khumalo’s performances at club and international level have made him one of the greatest African players of all time.
His influence on the national team was built on control, creativity and intelligence, and he played in midfield for nearly a decade. He was the creative heart of the 1996 AFCON championship team and the driving force behind the 1998 AFCON finals.
Khumalo helped shape Bafana Bafana’s perception as a technical and intelligent footballing nation, was named an MLS All-Star for his performances with the Columbus Crew, and helped take African football to the global stage.
2
benny mccarthy
Benny McCarthy is South Africa’s all-time leading goalscorer, scoring 168 goals in the domestic league over an 18-year club career that spanned five countries.
With 31 goals in just 79 caps, he was Bafana Bafana’s all-time leading scorer in major tournaments and qualifying campaigns, playing a key role in their 1998 AFCON silver medal win and multiple World Cup appearances.
McCarthy gave South Africa a truly world-class striker presence in international competition, and at club level he won league titles with Ajax, Porto and Orlando Pirates.
1
Lucas Radebe
Lucas Radebe remains South Africa’s greatest footballer, largely because of what he represented and contributed at international level.
As Bafana Bafana’s captain, he was the defensive lynchpin of the historic 1996 AFCON victory and a leader in South Africa’s return to world football.
His performances against elite international opponents, coupled with his reputation on the wider footballing scene having made over 200 appearances for Leeds United, left a lasting impact on African football as a whole.
