Al Ahli head coach Pitso Mosimane could potentially hand lifelines to a number of Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns players.
The three-time Caf Champions League-winning coach said that PSL players tended to be too expensive when he tried to sign them at his previous club Al Ahly. He also questioned the ability of PSL players to adapt to foreign climates. He has not, however, ruled out the possibility of bringing PSL players to his current side, Al Ahli of Saudi Arabia.
"If there's an opportunity in the next break [meaning the transfer window], maybe in the future we can always look around and see what we can bring," Mosimane said, as quoted by Sowetan Live.
GOAL brings you 11 players who might fit the bill to join Mosimane in the Middle East.
Mathoho is not playing much at Kaizer Chiefs these days and could be a good short-term signing for Mosimane while it would also be a final chapter and payday for his outstanding career. He has the maturity to handle the pressure abroad.
Mosimane and Billiat enjoyed great success together at Mamelodi Sundowns. While Billiat is nearing the latter stages of his career, he still has plenty in his legs and for such a talented player, he surely deserves a chance abroad.
After several years at Chiefs without success, now may be a good time for a new chapter.
A Zambian international who became a free agent, Sinkala is also a 2012 Afcon winner who last played for Stellenbosch.
The 31-year-old defensive midfielder, highly rated earlier in his career, has played in France, Switzerland, Zambia and the DR Congo and so clearly doesn't have a problem moving abroad and adopting foreign cultures.
Probably one of SA's finest footballers, Coetzee has been held back by injury. However, having appeared to get over the long-term foot injury which stopped him from moving to Scottish giants Celtic about four years ago, perhaps this could be his chance to get overseas.
The Kenyan has been in the PSL for over decade and may welcome a change of scenery. Not always a regular at Sundowns and currently valued at a reasonable fee (+- R6 million) according to Transfermarkt - which would fit well after Mosimane's mention of PSL players tending to be too expensive.
It feels a bit like he's underappreciated by Kaizer Chiefs, who keep buying new players in Ngcobo's position. A new challenge, he would bring something different to the Saudi league. Still young, he could potentially use the Middle East as a stepping stone for a move to Europe in three or so years.
Sirino wanted to join Mosimane at Ahly. Ahli are not quite as glamorous as the Egyptian giants, but have plenty of history and pedigree and certainly Sirino - not a regular starter at Sundowns these days, could do a job for his former coach.
Now a free agent at 31, Ekstein could dazzle the Saudi second division with his skills. After a spell in Azerbaijan and then fading off the scene at AmaZulu, a move to Ahli could reignite the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder's career.
AmaZulu parted ways with the Zambian at the end of last season despite him having done pretty well. In 113 league and cup games in South Africa for Pirates and AmaZulu, he registered 16 goals and 27 assists and also has considerable international experience with Zambia.
Another free agent, the Colombian won the Caf Champions league with Mosimane at Sundowns and would be a reliable centre-forward option.
The 31-year-old has been clubless since leaving Orlando Pirates at the end of last season. He had put in some good performances for Bucs before that and surely still has a lot to offer as an energetic wing-back.
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