African footballers will play an important role as the Saudi Pro League season moves towards its climax in May, with more than 50 talents from across the continent spread around the division’s 18 teams.
Some are world-famous names such as Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, Sadio Mane and Riyad Mahrez, but plenty of lesser-known players are also thriving.
Morocco striker Abderrazak Hamdallah, Cameroon forward Georges-Kevin Nkoudou, The Gambia’s Musa Barrow and Myziane Maolida of Comoros have all joined Aubameyang in hitting double figures for goals in the top flight.
Alongside the well-trodden European path, such accomplishments mean Saudi Arabia is now an increasingly attractive alternative for Africans.
“It is a different lifestyle and culture but if you love what you do and love the game, you can sacrifice anything,” Nigerian winger Henry Onyekuru told BBC Sport Africa.
At the other end of the pitch, goalkeepers like Morocco’s Yassine Bounou and defenders including Kalidou Koulibaly and William Troost-Ekong, both captains for their respective countries Senegal and Nigeria, have proven just as valuable.
“African players are doing well in the Pro League because the climate is similar. We are used to the heat,” said 31-year-old Troost-Ekong, who is also captain of his club Al-Kholood.
“There are often big spaces in games which gives us an opportunity to show our athletic abilities – the power, the speed.
“Saudi Arabia is, in general, quite an easy place to adapt, especially from a place like Nigeria where half the population is Muslim.”
‘Focus’ on performance
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: Henry Onyekuru was part of Nigeria’s squad at the 2021 Africa Cup of Nations in Cameroon
Onyekuru played for teams including Monaco, Galatasaray, Anderlecht and Olympiacos before his switch to Al-Fayah in August 2023.
After spending the first eight years of his senior career in Europe, he believes the environment in Saudi Arabia can benefit those from his home continent.
“The lifestyle and the culture help,” Onyekuru, who won 15 caps for Nigeria between 2017 and 2022, said.
“Some African players like clubbing a lot but here you can’t do that. Here it is more about training and then going home, rest, watch a movie, wait for the game the next day, train and so on.
“With all this you can focus more. So here you can sleep well, train well and play well.”
In his first campaign in the kingdom, the winger scored 10 goals to help Al-Fayah to a top-half finish and also provided ammunition for Fashion Sakala as the Zambian striker netted 19 times.
While many Africans can adapt to life in Saudi Arabia, Onyekuru accepts that certain challenges remain.
“We don’t have African restaurants here, but we manage.
“When we go home we try to bring those things here so we can make it at home. You don’t expect an African player to eat pasta every day.”
The continental network
The number of foreign players that Pro League clubs are allowed to sign has risen to 10, up from eight last season and seven before that.
It means word is spreading about life in the kingdom.
“I have conversations with a lot of Nigeria players every time we are at the national team together,” said Troost-Ekong, who himself spoke to Onyekuru before leaving Greek side PAOK for Saudi Arabia last year.
“Many are interested and now I have been here over six months I can give them a real overview and I am encouraging many players to take the step.”
From their battles in Europe and at international level, many of the African players know each other already.
Troost-Ekong believes that familiarity has helped establish a “mutual respect”.
“I have played against Franck Kessie, Riyad Mahrez, Sadio Mane and Kalidou Koulibaly,” the centre-back added.
“Whenever I see them here I am very happy. There is a real unity and brotherhood for us.
“We are coming from the same place and trying to achieve the same things.”
Shopping for talent in Africa
Image source: Getty Images
Image caption: William Troost-Ekong, who has played club football in seven different European countries, says young players are now opting to move directly to the Saudi Pro League from Africa
While each Pro League team can sign ten foreign players, two of these must be born in 2003 or later.
As the January transfer window demonstrated, this has encouraged the signing of younger players direct from Africa.
Al-Kholood signed Nigerian midfielder Ambrose Ochigbo from Tunisia club ES Zarzis, while title outsiders Al-Qadsiah brought in 18-year-old striker Jerry Afriyie from Ghanaian second-tier side Thoughts FC.
Afriyie, however, will not have a say in the destination of the league trophy, having being loaned out to Spanish outfit CD Lugo.
“I think the Pro League is becoming more and more attractive to players to make the step directly from Africa,” said Troost-Ekong.
“Ambrose and others are choosing not go to Europe first.
“By getting players younger, you have a chance to develop them, coach them and to be part of the project.”
Source: BBC Africa
