Several South Africans have left their mark on the Premier League, but only six have surpassed 100 caps in the competition.
From legends like Benni McCarthy to Lucas Radebe, below is a list of soccer stars who played abroad.
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Steven Pienaar: 214 appearances
Pienaar holds the South African record after representing Everton, Tottenham Hotspur and Sunderland. The gifted midfielder made 189 of his appearances for Everton, becoming a favourite at Goodison Park through his creativity and partnership with Leighton Baines.
Lucas Radebe: 197 appearances
Radebe spent his entire English career with Leeds United and eventually became club captain. The Bafana Bafana great recorded 57 clean sheets and helped Leeds qualify for the Champions League during their successful period under David O’Leary.
Mark Fish: 124 appearances
Fish played for Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic after arriving in England from Lazio. The composed centre-back made 102 of his Premier League appearances for Charlton and scored four goals in the competition.
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Aaron Mokoena: 124 appearances
Mokoena shares third place with Fish after playing for Blackburn Rovers and Portsmouth. Comfortable in defence or midfield, the former Bafana captain made 101 league appearances for Blackburn before adding another 23 at Portsmouth.
Shaun Bartlett: 123 appearances
Bartlett scored 24 goals during six Premier League seasons with Charlton. His spectacular volley against Leicester City was named the competition’s Goal of the Season for 2000/01.
Benni McCarthy: 120 appearances
McCarthy remains South Africa’s leading Premier League goalscorer with 37 goals in 120 matches. The former Bafana striker scored 18 league goals during his outstanding first season with Blackburn before later joining West Ham United.
Originally published by Soccermag.
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