Former Kaizer Chiefs and Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Josta Dladla has given his thoughts on players coming back from overseas at an early age.
Some South African footballers have enjoyed short stints overseas and in recent years the likes of Andile Jali, Tokelo Rantie, Daylon Claasen and Kermit Erasmus have left the country with high expectations, only to struggle upon their return to the PSL.
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Dladla also had a short stay in Denmark for two years between 2002 and 2004 playing for AGF, the only difference being that he didn't struggle when he returned to the Absa Premiership.
snl24.com/kickoff spoke to Dladla, who shared his thoughts on what he believes let the players down.
"Let me tell you something, the pace of South African football is totally different, you can go play in Spain and you come back to the country, you need to adjust and it takes time, also the mentality," he said.
"I'm going to talk about my self, I can't judge Andile Jali, Daylon Claasen and others, it's just football, it's all in the mind, you have to work hard. This is your bread and butter, it's going to be difficult to adjust because the pace of European football is totally different to ours, so you really need to adjust."
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JD says footballers need to always keep their identity, and their mentality is key in making sure they stay on top and are able to adapt in any league.
"As a football player it doesn't matter where you come from, even if you can go to Brazil, you have to play like the Brazilians. You go to China, you've got to play like the Chinese but still keep your identity.
"A good player will always be a good player, some players it happens that they adjust quickly, some it takes time, while others they just don't adapt at all. I think it's just up to the mentality of the player at that moment."