Following Mamelodi Sundowns’ record-extending eighth league title in a row, former Manchester United and Bafana Bafana player Quinton Fortune has sung the praises of South African football.
Sundowns are currently preparing for the CAF Champions League final over two legs against Egyptian outfit Pyramids.
The first match kicks off at 3 p.m. on Saturday at Loftus Versfeld in Pretoria.
Winning the Betway Premiership was no small feat, believed Fortune.
The Rise of South African Football: Talent, Growth, and the Push for Global Recognition
“In terms of the African continent, the South African league is probably one of the best leagues. In terms of television, the stadiums, we were very fortunate to host the World Cup in 2010, so they have really good stadiums,” said Fortune, speaking to BoyleSports, who offer the latest football odds.
“The talent is there, the talent has always been there. I’ve always said for many years.”
Fortune, now aged 47, spent seven years at United between 1999 and 2006, which included winning the English Premier League (EPL) title in 2002/2003 under legendary coach Alex Ferguson.
The midfielder also represented Bafana from 1996 to 2005. His career was atypical for a South African player as he did not play any professional football locally.
With no South Africans currently playing in the EPL, Fortune believed that more local players needed to ply their trade abroad.
“I would like to see more South African players come to Europe. I was very fortunate; I left at 13 and spent half my life in Europe, growing up in this culture.
“The talent is definitely there, and the league is improving. I love that for South Africa, but I want to see our best players come to Europe because that’s where you really see the real talent, the real competition – and that strengthens your national team. The league has definitely improved. But I want to see more players in Europe.”
@Michael_Sherman
IOL Sport
