There is no hunger in Mzansi football – Agent

Binkin, whose list of clients includes the likes of former Bafana Bafana captains Lucas Radebe and Bongani Khumalo, says because of the huge player salaries, South African players don’t show the desire to play abroad anymore.

“I don’t believe that the current talent has the same hunger as players did 20 years ago when there was very little money in South African football. Back then players realized that in order to make really good money they had to sacrifice and try seek a career abroad. Nowadays, players in South Africa are being paid really good money, more than what they would earn if they were playing abroad in many European territories and as such they are happy to stay and play in South Africa rather than going abroad,” Binkin told Phakaaathi.

The players’ agent also revealed that as agents, they face the mounting challenge of having players out of contract competing with players who may come at a huge cost in the market.

“These days the world of football is flooded with players out of contract and thus free, so when clubs have a choice between players who are going to cost them millions of Pounds, Euros or Dollars, they weigh that up against the many free options they have in this respect,” he elaborated.

“In the past 10 or so years, not many South African players (aside for Steven Pienaar) have really made a name for themselves in England and more so in the English Premiership. It is very difficult for non-EU passport holders to qualify to play in the UK anyway but with Bafana Bafana not having qualified for any major tournaments over the past few years, it is even more difficult,” he said.