Why was Njabulo Blom able to get his move from Kaizer Chiefs to St. Louis City and get to compete in the same league as Lionel Messi?
Should Mduduzi Shabalala already be abroad as a teenager considering his talent instead of waiting on in domestic football until he fizzles out?
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Those are pertinent questions at the forefront of when and how the emerging top talents should be moving out to the top global leagues as soon as possible.
It is a subject that sparks the thrill in Leonardo Castro based on his experience of having now played in three continents and five countries including South Africa where he did duty for Mamelodi Sundowns and Kaizer Chiefs.
"South African players have the talent but what sets those who are playing abroad with those that remain in the PSL is the issue of their mentality," says Castro who is now playing in the USA.
"You cannot question the talent and skills of South African players, but they need to realise the need to work harder and the need to change their mentality.
"There are many players in South Africa who can easily play in Europe or in the MLS, but the problem is mentality.
"Players need to realise the need to work harder and push themselves otherwise they will not make it and just end their careers at home.
"I don't want to mention names but look at how many players from the academy at Kaizer Chiefs will remain there until they move to AmaZulu, (Moroka) Swallows, Richards Bay, or Cape Town City.
"They don't have the mentality and hunger to see this as work.
"Playing for the first team at Kaizer Chiefs should not make you feel like you no longer need to work for further opportunities.
"What sets Njabulo Blom apart is his work ethic and that is the reason why he is now in the MLS.
"I was talking to him the other guy and encouraging him about the need to work hard so that he keeps getting chances to play.
"Before he came to play for St. Louis City, I had linked him up with Toronto FC because there were people asking me about the kind of player that he is.
"They were also asking me about this kid at Chiefs (Mdu) Shabalala.
"This kid has talent but needs to push himself and stop playing this kasi football that is celebrated so much in South Africa, yet it doesn't help any player go anywhere.
"Modern football is about vision, movement, technique, and commitment.
"I was asked about him (Shabalala) but I said he is not ready to go abroad and still needs to learn a lot of things first and maybe he can go abroad.
"This thing starts from development where these talented boys need to be taught how to play with purpose and understand the need to still work hard.
"These are the players that should be working twice as much to improve their weaknesses to become better players.
"There is no issue with doing a shibobo but kasi football that doesn't get you an assist or goal is of no use.
"What is the point of doing skills on your own on the corner without eliminating anyone?
"Where do those kinds of players end up?
"These players play in the locations and should be left for football at that level because when you play professional you need to be serious and realise that you need to play to make a difference," says Castro.
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