Bafana Bafana winger Elias Mokwana has etched his name in South African football history, becoming the first player from the nation to conquer the Tunisian league.
His club, Espérance Sportive de Tunis (ES Tunis), emphatically secured the league title with a resounding 5-0 victory over Olympique Béja on Sunday.
The 25-year-old Mokwana made a significant impact in the title-clinching match, coming off the bench to score the final goal for his team, sealing their 19th win of the season in commanding fashion.
This victory propelled Espérance Tunis to a formidable 65 points from 29 matches played, establishing an insurmountable four-point lead over their closest rivals, US Monastir.
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Furthermore, with one league game still to play, their superior points tally confirms their status as champions. US Monastir, led by veteran Tunisian coach Faouzi Benzarti, saw their title aspirations fade after their draw, which left them with a maximum possible of 64 points.
The triumph marks Espérance Tunis’s 34th Tunisian Ligue Professionnelle 1 title – a record-breaking achievement that underscores their dominance in Tunisian football.
For Mokwana, who joined the Tunis giants from Sekhukhune United ahead of the 2024/25 season, this league title represents a significant milestone. This achievement is particularly noteworthy considering Mokwana was previously linked with a move to Kaizer Chiefs, a deal that ultimately did not materialize.
This league title is Mokwana’s second piece of silverware in Tunisia, having already celebrated victory in the Tunisian Super Cup earlier in the year. His rapid success with Espérance Tunis highlights his talent and seamless integration into a new footballing environment, undoubtedly making South African football fans proud and perhaps leaving Kaizer Chiefs to reflect on what might have been.