South Africa boasts several overseas-based players, including those who were born in other countries but are eligible to represent the nation. Here's a look at 10 such players who are yet to debut for Bafana Bafana that coach Hugo Broos can consider.
Broos, known for being one of the strictest coaches in Bafana history regarding squad selection, has a clear preference. He prioritises players who regularly start for their clubs even with those that are playing abroad. His recent snubs of MLS players Bongokuhle Hlongwane and Cassius Mailula exemplify his commitment to his words.
Some of the players listed below are already featuring for their senior teams, while others have professional contracts but haven't made their senior debuts yet.
Ayanda Sishuba (RC Lens)
The 19-year-old is currently in the books of the French League 1 side RC Lens who have been highly competitive in the recent seasons. Last season, they ended the season in the 2nd position behind Paris Saint Germain.
Having a Belgian mother and a South African father, Sishuba is eligible to represent either country. His father Asanda Sishuba was also a professional footballer having played for several clubs in Belgium including Royal Antwerp FC, Excelsior Mouscron, Beringen Heusden-Zolder SK and Sint-Truidense VV.
Before joining Lens in 2021, Sishuba honed his skills in the youth academies of Excelsior Mouscron and LOSC Lille. He penned a professional contract with Lens last year and made his senior debut in September last year when his side lost 3-0 to AS Monaco. He made seven appearances in the Ligue One and one in the Coupe de France.
Sishuba has already represented Belgium U-17, U-18 and U-19. The attacking midfielder has scored five goals in 15 appearances he has made in all age groups. You can use the Betway welcome bonus to place a bet on his next match.
Alwande Roaldsøy (Molde FK)
A Norwegian-born central midfielder, Roaldsøy, signed for Molde FK in January. The 20-year-old arrived from Italian Serie A side Atalanta for a transfer fee of R13.6 million. He made nine appearances across all competitions for the Norwegian giants last season.
Despite featuring for Norway's national teams at the U-15, U-17, U-19, U-20, and U-21 levels, Roaldsøy is eligible to play for Bafana Bafana because his mother is South African.
Waylon Renecke (Norwich City)
After rising through the club's youth system, the 18-year-old signed a professional contract with the English Championship side at the beginning of the season.
He hasn't made his senior team debut yet, but he was named to the bench when Norwich thumped Stoke City 3-0 in March. Renecke played for England at the U-15, U-16, and U-17 levels before switching allegiance to represent South Africa U-17.
He was part of the Amajimbosi squad that participated in the Under-17 Africa Cup of Nations held in Algeria last year.
An argument can be made that he needs senior team experience before receiving a call-up to Bafana Bafana. However, there's no denying his talent, and he's definitely one for the near future that coach Broos should keep an eye on.
Alex Paulsen (AFC Bournemouth)
Born in Auckland, New Zealand to a South African father and Namibian mother, 21-year-old goalkeeper Oliver Paulsen is eligible to represent Bafana Bafana.
Paulsen recently signed a contract with Premier League club AFC Bournemouth following an impressive season with his previous club, Wellington Phoenix FC, in the Australian A-League. He recorded an impressive 11 clean sheets in the 27 games he played.
While Paulsen has represented New Zealand at the U-17 and U-19 levels, South Africa still has a chance to secure his allegiance as he hasn't played for the senior New Zealand team. This allows him to represent the country of his father.
Selim Francis Turping (FC Zurich)
Born in Johannesburg, South Africa, a 19-year-old winger was adopted by parents from Luxembourg. After playing for Borussia Mönchengladbach's youth teams, Turping recently made a switch to FC Zurich, seeking an opportunity to play for a senior team.
Stoch Rydell (AIK)
The 17-year-old qualifies to represent both South Africa and Sweeden and is said to be interested in pulling the Bafana Bafana jersey.
He signed for AIK this year and made his debut four weeks ago when his side suffered a 6-1 defeat at the hands of Elfsborg.
Elyh Harrison (Manchester United)
The 17-year-old goalkeeper, Harrison was born in England but qualifies to play for Bafana Bafana through his South African mother. The youngster was named in the squad that faced Newport County in the FA Cup in January.
Gabriano Shelton (Huddersfield)
Shelton spent seven years with Liverpool before moving on to sign with Huddersfield recently. He expressed his desire to represent South Africa on Metro FM in 2022.
The 16-year-old was supposed to be part of the SA Under-17 side that played the 2023 Under-17 AFCON. However, he missed out due to health issues.
Seb Ferdinand (Arsenal)
The 18-year-old right winger was recently offered a professional contract by the Gunners. He was named as Arsenal’s Scholar of the Year for the 2023/24 season after an impressive season with U-19s and U-21s.
Lucas Jetten (Ajax Amsterdam)
Jetten was born in Nelspruit, South Africa before he moved abroad at a young age. He’s currently the captain of U18/19s for Ajax.
He recently scooped the Ajax Amsterdam Talent of the Year award. The highly-rated young left-back has already represented the Netherlands U-16, U-17 and U-18 national team levels.
