Orlando Pirates head of development Augusto Palacios revealed that he believes that South African players don’t have the right attitude to make it in Europe.

There are few South African players of note plying their trade in Europe. Bongani Zungu, Keagan Dolly, Lebogang Phiri and Lebogang Mothiba are all making strides in the French Ligue 1, while Kamohelo Mokotjo is forging a career in the English Championship.

This is a stark contrast to days gone by where Bafana Bafana stars were established players across Europe. The likes of Lucas Radebe, Aaron Mokoena, Quinton Fortune, Benni McCarthy, Steven Pienaar, Mark Fish and many others all played in Europe when at their peak.

There have also been an increasing amount of South Africans from abroad who have recently been making a move back to the Premier Soccer League. This could ultimately affect the national side, who would undoubtedly want their best players playing against and with Europe’s elite.

Palacios has revealed that he believes that the lack of South African players is down to two reasons: the amount of money now in the PSL and the poor attitude of South Africans when in Europe.

‘Back in the day, there was no money in the PSL, but now we have money and some players think differently – buy expensive cars, private life is different, no commitment. Because South African players are too comfortable, there’s no ambition. This is something that copies from the PSL to the national team.’

The former Bafana boss, however, pointed out that South African players have the ability to make it in Europe, ‘I always say, and I never want to change this, South Africa has better talent than any country in Africa.’

The Peruvian coach used former Bafana Bafana and Tottenham Hotspur defender Mbulelo Mabizela as an example: ‘One time I went to Chelsea, and the technical director, who worked at Tottenham before, said to me, “OJ Mabizela, geez, such a great player!”

‘But you know what was the problem? Attitude, discipline, behaviour, arrived late for training, and the different culture – he would fly for this funeral, traditional [ceremony], and he never settled.

‘A lot of coaches in Europe say this to you, and I tell you the truth, “South African players are great but their problem is attitude, commitment, dedication” and this is a problem we do have,’ concluded Palacios.

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