With South African players continuing to attract interest from across the continent, KickOff takes a look at six local stars who were linked with North African clubs in 2025.
In recent seasons, several Premier Soccer League players have made moves to top African sides such as Al Ahly, Wydad Athletic Club, and others, underlining the growing appeal of SA talent across the continent.
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In 2024, Bafana Bafana star Elias Mokwana signed with Tunisian giants Esperance de Tunis, while Khanyisa Mayo made the switch to Algerian outfit CR Belouizdad.
More so, Cassius Mailula moved from Toronto FC to Wydad, meanwhile, Thembinkosi Lorch moved Masandawana to the Red Castle. Both players had joined the club on loan deals.
But in 2025, Orlando Pirates winger Monnapule Saleng, currently on loan at Orbit College, was reportedly on the verge of joining Egyptian powerhouses Al Ahly. His teammate, Relebohile Mofokeng, was also heavily linked with a move to the 12-time CAF Champions League winners.
Following Jose Riveiro’s move from the Buccaneers to Ahly, reports also emerged linking rising defender Mbekezeli Mbokazi with a potential switch to the Cairo club.
Meanwhile, Sekhukhune United’s pacey forward Keletso Makgalwa attracted interest from Esperance following an impressive season that earned him a PSL Footballer of the Season nominee spot.
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Moreover, newly signed Pirates player Sinoxolo Kwayiba was reportedly close to joining an unnamed Algerian club before sealing his move to the Soweto giants.
Adding to the growing North African interest in PSL talent, Moroccan media recently reported that Mamelodi Sundowns’ dependable right-back Khuliso Mudau is in negotiations with Wydad ahead of the new season. He, too, was previously linked with a move to Esperance.