As Premier Soccer League clubs continue to strengthen their squads ahead of the 2025/26 season, here is a look at some African players who struggled to meet expectations during their time in Soweto.
Amongst the teams that have consistently signed players from across the continent in recent years are Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
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In 2019, Amakhosi signed Zambian striker Lazarous Kambole with high hopes. However, he managed to score just two goals in 33 appearances across all competitions.
Kenyan international Anthony Akumu joined the Glamour Boys in 2020. Over nearly three seasons, he played 34 league matches and scored only twice.
Another signing that divided opinion for Chiefs was Burundian striker Caleb Bimenyimana. Despite netting seven goals and providing one assist, he was released in 2023 after just a year at the club.
On the other hand, Zambian attacker Austin Muwowo struggled to make an impact at Pirates. Signed in 2019, he spent much of his time on loan at Moroka Swallows before being released in 2022.
Cameroonian striker Souaibou Marou also struggled during his stint with the Buccaneers, failing to impress between January 2023 and August 2024.
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More so, Ghanaian forward Bernard Morrison was another high-profile name who didn’t live up to expectations during his two-year spell with the Soweto giants from 2016 to 2018.
Meanwhile, Angolan attacker Deivi Miguel Vieira, better known as Gilberto, joined Bucs in July last year but was loaned out to Petro Luanda in January after failing to make his mark. He is expected to remain on loan for the upcoming season as well.
