With Tylon Smith’s recent move to the EFL Championship, here is a look back at South African stars who have featured in the league before him.
The Stellenbosch FC academy graduate completed a dream transfer to EFL side Queens Park Rangers following an outstanding 2024/25 season with the Cape Winelands club’s reserve team.
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Smith rose to prominence during the 2025 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, where he was named Player of the Tournament after helping Raymond Mdaka's team clinch their first-ever CAF U-20 AFCON title.
Several of Mzansi’s finest have previously plied their trade in the Championship. Amongst them is current Golden Arrows assistant coach Kagisho Dikgacoi, who turned out for Crystal Palace and Cardiff City.
Bafana Bafana legend Mark Fish once featured for Ipswich Town, while Quinton Fortune and Dean Furman showcased their talents at Doncaster Rovers.
Lucas Radebe, the former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana captain, remains a cult hero in England and is still regarded as one of Leeds United’s most beloved foreign players.
Other notable names include Lyle Foster, who spent two seasons with Burnley FC in the Championship, and striker Tokelo Rantie, who represented Bournemouth in England’s second tier.
Bongani Khumalo, now a respected football analyst, had stints with Reading FC and Doncaster Rovers. Meanwhile, Aaron Mokoena served as a reliable presence for Portsmouth.
Kamohelo Mokotjo, currently a free agent, spent several seasons with Brentford, as Lars Veldwijk once wore the Nottingham Forest jersey.
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Additionally, Kgosi Ntlhe played for Peterborough United, while Matty Pattison and Bally Smart turned out for Norwich City, with Davide Somma having enjoyed a successful spell with Leeds United.
Now, Tylon Smith will aim to write his name into the history books and join the ranks of his country’s greatest exports to the EFL Championship.
