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| We take a look at the strongest XI currently playing in the PSL, including the likes of Willard Katsande. |
With foreign players lighting up the Premier Soccer League for many years, we take a look at the strongest XI currently playing in South Africa’s top flight.
In goal, the ‘keeper picks itself in Mamelodi Sundowns shot-stopper, Denis Onyango. The 32-year old Ugandan international has been key for the CAF champions, and some may even say that he is the best keeper in Africa.
The back four gets a bit tricky. At right-back, I’ve gone with Soumahoro Bangaly. Yes, the Ivorian isn’t a traditional fullback, but there’s not many foreign players to fill that role. Michael Boxall would have been the obvious choice, but he left SuperSport United to join Minnesota United in the USA.
My centre-back pairing would be Ricardo Nascimento and Teenage Hadebe. Nascimento impressed me for Sundowns last season, while Hadebe was brilliant in the 2017 AFCON for Zimababwe. He’s yet to feature in the ABSA Premiership, but those performances were enough to put him ahead of the likes of Robert Ng’ambi and Jeitoso, who is also yet to feature for Cape Town City.
Fares Hachi of Mamelodi Sundowns completes a strong, foreign back four. The Algerian has adjusted to life in the PSL quite quickly and is unchallenged for the left-back spot in my team.
To no surprise, Willard Katsande will anchor the midfield over Issa Sarr, while Mogakolodi Ngele will operate just behind the strikers. Yannick Zakri will be on the right wing, with Gabadinho Mhango on the opposite flank.
That leaves two spots up for grabs in the striking position. I’ve ignored the likes of Anthony Laffor, Kingston Nkhatha, Gustavo Paez and Tendai Ndoro to pick Jeremy Brockie and Khama Billiat. The duo have been impressive and would form a deadly partnership up top. Brockie is a proven goalscorer, while Billiat may be the most talented player in the league.
Foreign XI in full:
Onyango; Soumahoro, Nascimento, Hadebe, Hachi; Zakri, Katsande, Ngele, Mhango; Billiat, Brockie.
Written by Jesse Nagel