By Michael Madyira
South African footballers and coaches continue to break through in North Africa, with Bafana Bafana star Elias Mokwana the latest to join the trend.
Mokwana was signed by former African giants Esperance from PSL side Sekhukhune United on Thursday, making him the first South African footballer to play in Tunisia.
“Esperance have completed procedures to sign player Elias Mokwana as the South African international has signed a three-year contract with our club.”
The Tunisian giants have won the CAF Champions League four times.
Last season, they eliminated Mamelodi Sundowns in the semi-final stage before losing the final to Al Ahly.
It is a big move for Mokwana, who is expected to make a significant impact while playing for the continental heavyweights.
Phakamani Mahlambi paved the way for South African players in North Africa when he joined Al Ahly in 2017.
This was followed by coach Pitso Mosimane, who left Sundowns to join the Cairo giants in October 2020. The former Bafana coach then brought Percy Tau to Al Ahly the following year.
In January 2022, Fagrie Lakay signed for Egyptian moneybags Pyramids from Cape Town City.
This was followed by Haashim Domingo, who went to Moroccan giants Raja Casablanca, where former Orlando Pirates assistant coach Fadlu Davids was Josef Zinnbauer’s understudy.
Mokwana has become the latest South African to sign for a North African club.
Pictured above: Elias Mokwana greeting Esperance fans.
Source: Esperance
