Former Orlando Pirates midfielder Lehlogonolo Masalesa feels the best way to help youngsters make moves abroad is to have them in the Bafana Bafana squad, even if they don't get to feature much in the senior national team.
Masalesa, who recently confirmed to the Siya crew that he has retired from the game, got an opportunity to play in Greece for Athlitiki Enosi Larissa (AEL) and would love to see more of the local players, especially the youngsters, making moves abroad.
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One player who has caught his attention is Pirates' Relebohile Mofokeng, who was recently on trial at Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers. Masalesa feels South African youngsters would attract more attention if they had national team call-ups on their CVs.
"Why can't we have a Mofokeng introduced? Yes, they are not ready now, but let me tell you. I learnt in Europe that it matters that you are an international. It matters, in terms of criteria. You could be playing for Latvia. It matters that you are in the national team and we do not know that. These West African countries do that. Look at the under-20 teams...most of them had careers abroad because they were internationals. It does not matter even if you play against Swaziland. It matters that you are an international. We don't have the foresight for that," Masalesa said to the Siya crew.
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"We need to introduce these boys early so that by the time they are 25, they should have 30 caps. You understand? You are helping them to have something on his CV that can make him attractive to European clubs. The reality is that our leagues are not like leagues in Europe. And for us to be sharp, we need players to go there and do well there. So, let's assist them. If you play Andorra, play these small boys. You have leverage. If people complain, you say 'I am planning for the future'. Put a Mofokeng there. He went on trial at Wolves and I wish he leaves now. He will be right that side. But help players like him. Wolverhampton should see him and say 'he is an international. He was at AFCON'."
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