8 African Stars Who Returned To Their Local Leagues
10 November, 2020
It is not often that people see African stars returning from top-level football in Europe to play within their domestic leagues on the continent, but these eight players, including a former Orlando Pirates striker, did that.
The other day, Asamoah Gyan was unveiled by Legon Cities FC in the Ghanaian top-flight after joining the club on a free of charge transfer.
According to Kick Off, Gyan is thought to have put pen to paper on a four-year deal that will see him earn $1 million (R16 million).
His much-celebrated return to Ghana came 17 years after he made his debut for Liberty Professionals in 2003.
Gyan, however, is not the only African star to have returned to his home nation's domestic league, as BBC Africa pointed out.
Many will remember former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Peter Ndlovu, who gained world recognition when he became the first African to play in the revamped Premier League with Coventry City in 1992.
After leaving English football, Ndlovu first had stints in South Africa before eventually moving back again to Zimbabwe, where he joined Black Mambas 23 years after making his debut for Highlanders.
A player never to be missed on this illustrious list is Benni McCarthy, to date South Africa's only winner of the UEFA Champions League.
Following stints with Ajax Amsterdam, Celta Vigo, FC Porto, Blackburn Rovers and West Ham United, McCarthy returned to Mzansi and joined the Buccaneers in 2011.
His return to South Africa, which saw him lift four trophies with Pirates, came 14 years after he left Ajax Cape Town to become listed on their mother club Ajax Amsterdam in 1997.
Source: www.soccerladuma.co.za