South Africa's return to the FIFA World Cup has triggered a wave of moves abroad for key players. The national team, which sits second in their World Cup group with four points from three games, saw seven overseas-based players at the 2026 tournament, a significant increase from just three at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations.

Mofokeng's flying start

The most successful transition belongs to Relebohile Mofokeng. The forward completed a move to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise straight after the World Cup, having agreed terms before the tournament. He has scored three goals in his first five Jupiler Pro League games and already has a Super Cup winners' medal. Mofokeng was also belatedly named the Premier Soccer League's Footballer of the Season for his title-winning efforts with Orlando Pirates. "The pick of the bunch - Mofokeng is off to a flying start in Belgium with three goals in five," the assessment noted.

Defensive reinforcements

Olwethu Makhanya has had a major effect at Rangers since his permanent transfer from Philadelphia Union. The defender's arrival in the UK summer coincided with the team winning five consecutive matches in all competitions, conceding just once in that run. Left-back Thato Sibiya, whose stock rose with the national U20 side, secured a loan move to French club LOSC Lille from Mamelodi Sundowns, which includes an option to buy. He renewed his contract with Sundowns before the move, having broken into their first team amid strong competition for his position.

Striker shifts

Thapelo Maseko's journey was particularly dramatic. Out of favour at Mamelodi Sundowns, a loan to AEL Limassol was followed by a permanent switch to FC Copenhagen. He scored the historic goal against South Korea that secured South Africa's first-ever World Cup knockout berth. National team coach Hugo Broos backed the player throughout his club struggles. Maseko has since scored twice in a 5-0 win for Copenhagen over Odense. Fellow striker Lyle Build, who turned 26 recently, remains at Burnley but had a loan stint at Houston Dynamo.

Further moves abroad

Several other Bafana players have sought new challenges overseas. Tylon Smith moved on loan from Queens Park Rangers to New England Revolution, while Shandre Campbell transferred from Club Brugge to Kortrijk. Striker Iqraam Rayners, now 30, is looking to revive his career after a difficult period at SuperSport United. A cluster of moves saw Tshegofatso Mabasa and Devin Titus join Moroccan club MAS Fès from Orlando Pirates and Stellenbosch FC respectively. Neo Maema and Keletso Makgalwa both moved to Tanzanian giants Simba SC, with Maema's move a loan from Sundowns. Sipho Mbule joined Iraqi side Zakho SC, and Fagrie Lakay moved within Libya from Ceramica Cleopatra to Al-Ahli Tripoli.

The squad's evolution comes as South Africa prepares for their next World Cup qualifier at home to Guinea on 26 September. They will do so without the injured Lyle Build and Mbekezeli Mbokazi update. The team's recent form shows one win, two draws and two losses from their last five outings, including the 1-0 round of 32 defeat to Canada that ended their World Cup run. Fans can track the team's progress and view the full fixtures schedule on the official site.

Background and full detail: espn.co.uk