South African striker Darren Smith secured his first trophy in Morocco with FAR Rabat while Percy Tau was one of several standout performers abroad this weekend.
Smith who is still in the process of settling into life at the second most successful club in Morocco behind Wydad Athletic Club managed to get the taste of silverware as they secured the King’s Cup on Saturday.
The 26-year-old striker played in the final ten minutes as AS FAR beat two-time Botola Pro winners Moghreb Tétouan 3-0, which will be a welcome boost to his confidence.
He’s been sparingly used since the deadline-day switch in January as he looks to get back to match fitness, having joined the club months after the Finnish League season finished where he previously turned out for Honka.
Staying in North Africa, Tau bagged two assists in the 2-2 draw with ES Setif as Al Ahly progressed to the final of the CAF Champions League.
The Bafana Bafana forward had an impressive semi-final, being directly involved in all six goals for the 6-2 aggregate scoreline against the Algerians.
Lebo Mothiba played the final 15 minutes for Troyes in the 3-1 defeat against RC Lens, however, his loan side are safe from the drop already, six points off the relegation play-off spot with one game remaining.
He’s expected to return to his parent club Strasbourg next season, where they are set for the UEFA Europa League.
Ayanda Patosi played the full 90 minutes for Foolad as they lost 3-1 to his former club and newly crowned Persian Gulf Pro League champions Esteghlal – the defeat leaves them out of contention to return to the Asian Champions League next season, where they are currently in the group stages this season.
It was a night to forget for Thibang Phete and Sphphelelo Sithole who were relegated from the Portuguese top-flight with Belenenses after a 0-0 with Arouca who finished one place above the drop zone.
The Bafana Bafana duo will now be aiming to secure moves elsewhere in the off-season after becoming regular and consistent performers in the top-flight over the past couple of seasons.
Thabo Cele played the full 90 for Radomiak Radom in their 4-2 win over Ekstraklasa giants Wisla Krakow which moved them into sixth in the 18-team division with one game remaining.
Tsiki Ntsabeleng earned another start for FC Dallas in midfield and impressed over the 73 minutes against league leaders LA Galaxy as they won 3-1 in their Major League Soccer clash.
Meanwhile, the likes of Mihlali Mayambela (Farrense), Gift Links (AGF Aarhus), Yanga Baliso (Mariehamn), Luke Le Roux (Varvergs), Bongi Hlongwane (Minnesota) were all in action for their respective sides.
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