Top South African Soccer Legends: Where Are They Now?

Seeing Siphiwe Tshabalala score a beauty against Mexico in the 2010 World Cup opener on home turf will probably remain engraved as one of the favourite memories for South African soccer fans. Still, that wasn’t the only bright moment of South African soccer over the years, and Tshabalala isn’t the only hero player that the home crowd has had the chance to admire.

South African soccer legends like Doctor Khumalo, Lucas Radebe, and Benni McCarthy used to bring tears of joy to the faces of the local supporting crowd. So, what happened to the popular “Doctor”, the mighty centre-back, and the only South African player to have won the UEFA Champions League? Read on to find out where they are today.

Khumalo — The “Doctor” of Midfield and South African Legend

Theophilus Doctor Khumalo was once one of the favourite players of many South African soccer fans. With the exception of two early-stage seasons that he spent on loans, he stayed in one of the country’s biggest clubs, Kaizer Chiefs, during his entire career. He also played 50 matches for the South African national team, scoring 9 goals. 

He retired in 2004, but his legacy in South African soccer is even bigger nowadays since he’s spent years coaching young Bafana Bafana talents across the country. Still, he’ll always be remembered for his remarkable 1996 performance against Brazil, when he scored a goal and assisted another to give South Africa a 2:0 lead at halftime against the mighty Rivaldo, Bebeto, and others.

While he didn’t manage to win that game (it ended as a 3-2 Brazil victory), it seems like Khumalo has certainly won in life. He’s been very active in his hometown of Soweto, helping the community and the young soccer talents of the country’s U17 team. He also worked as a TV broadcaster and commentator and as an assistant coach for Kaizer Chiefs for one season. 

Lucas Radebe — “The Chief” Who Became Leeds United Legend

Though he did indeed play for Kaizer Chiefs, the famed Lucas Radebe earned his nickname thanks to his abilities to stop the opposition’s strikers as one of South Africa’s best centre-backs.

He recorded over 110 appearances for Kaizer Chiefs and 201 for Leeds United and showed class and loyalty wherever he played. He was also praised by Nelson Mandela himself and is beloved by Leeds United fans. Today, he works with the development committee for the Confederation of African Football and is known for doing charity work not only in his hometown of Soweto but also across South Africa.

Some of his most recent public appearances include the Leeds United podcast, where he stated that he’s dedicated to making a difference for young local players of humble beginnings, who remind him of himself before his transfer to Leeds.

Benni McCarthy — The Country’s All-Time Leading Scorer

When talking about the legends of South African soccer, it’s impossible to leave out Benni McCarthy. He’s certainly one of the most beloved strikers to ever play for Bafana Bafana, having scored 30 goals for the national team. He’s also the only South African player to win the UEFA Champions League, grabbing the trophy back in the 2003/2004 season with FC Porto.

Nowadays, he seems to be enjoying his new role as a coach. He had been on the staff of several clubs before being appointed first-team coach of Manchester United by Erik ten Hag. However, he left the position before the start of the new Premier League season, but, as he’s told CNN interviewers, he intends to pursue another chance of being a head coach again.

Honourable Mentions

Overall, South Africa perhaps hasn’t had as many soccer legends as some other African countries have, but that has never affected the passion that they feel for the sport. So, besides these three giants, we can’t forget other notables, such as Steven Pienaar, Aaron Mokoena, and Mark Fish.

All three have left an indelible mark on soccer in South Africa and set an example for future generations. After retiring, Steven Pienaar is now an ambassador for his former EPL side, Everton FC, while Aaron Mokoena decided to keep following his passion and is now pursuing new roles as a coach and a scout.