Opening up about his switch to English Championship outfit Portsmouth, Bafana Bafana midfielder Luke Le Roux joins the ranks of overseas talent.
The 25-year-old finds himself in the same league as countryman Tylon Smith, recently unveiled by Queens Park Rangers.
Le Roux, much like Smith, honed his early footballing abilities at the Stellenbosch development program. He then spent five years playing across Europe, gaining crucial experience.
His journey abroad included time with Varbergs BoIS after leaving SuperSport United, a spell in the Netherlands with FC Volendam, and a particularly impactful return to Sweden where he established himself with Varnamo.
‘AS SA KID YOU ALWAYS WANT TO PLAY IN ENGLAND’
“I’m really happy and excited to be here,” he said. “I’m grateful for the opportunity and can’t wait to get going.”
“As a young kid growing up in South Africa, you always want to play in England because these are the leagues you would watch.
“So when I heard about this opportunity, it was definitely something that I didn’t need to think twice about.
“It’s hard to put what it means into words and I still have to pinch myself because I’ve been working towards this throughout my career.”
Le Roux revealed that a crucial meeting with Portsmouth's sporting director and head coach was instrumental in his move to Portsmouth.
‘THE PROJECT WAS SOLD TO ME’
“I don’t think anyone could come out of that and not want to join Portsmouth,” he said.
“I was told how I would fit into the team and what I would add. The project was sold to me, and it really excites me what this club wants to do, so I’m happy to make the next step.
“Winning my first cap for the national team is probably the highlight of my career, but now there’s this move.
“I heard the crowd here is amazing and so I can’t wait to meet all the fans and I promise them that I will give my best every single day.”
