Former striker Katlego Mphela has weighed in on the recent transfers of Bafana Bafana duo Percy Tau and Keagan Dolly.
The former Mamelodi Sundowns teammates both made headline transfers from a Top 5 European league, that fans are labelling as premature.
Tau completed an unconventional move from Premier League side Brighton to reunite with Pitso Mosimane at Al Ahly in Egypt. At the same time, Dolly completed a much-publicised switch to boyhood club Kaizer Chiefs from Ligue 1 side Montpellier.
READ | OFFICIAL: Tau reunited with Pitso at Ahly
Mphela, who featured for European teams such as RC Strasbourg and Stade Reims, says there could be various factors for the Bafana duo's wish to leave Europe.
"I can't talk on behalf of them, but I'm sure a lot was happening," Mphela tells snl24.com/kickoff.
"I'm sure they thought about the situation for a long time, and from what I've seen, they were not getting game-time that side.
"They could have gone to other leagues in Europe, but I think in the end, it's all about minutes played. If they thought the only place they could get game time is in Africa, it is what it is.
"In Percy's case, I think Pitso influenced that. Maybe they spoke and promised to make Percy a star so he could go back overseas.
"I can't comment on their choices as to why they chose the paths they took.
"Maybe they realised that at their age they need to be playing. For them to represent Bafana, they need to get game-time. I also don't think they had bad offers from Kaizer Chiefs and Al Ahly.
Mphela added that the two transfers couldn't be compared as there were various factors to each player's situation.
"In Tau's case, I think if it were me, I would have stayed in Europe because when you leave the Premier League, there are always going to be teams lining up for you," Mphela added.
"If I were in the Premier League, I would try to stay there because it is the highest level.
"In Keagan's case, I think he was not getting enough game-time. So it would be better for him to start afresh. He came back and is doing well so, so far so good for him."
Scroll right to see Percy Tau's incredible unveiling at Al Ahly