Lars Veldwijk: Former Bafana Bafana striker seals move to Oman’s Al Nahda

Former South Africa international striker Lars Veldwijk has extended his Asian football journey with a move to Omani top-flight club Al Nahda.

The 34-year-old, who last played for the national team at the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations in Egypt, has signed a one-year deal with the Oman Jindal League side as they look to push for domestic honours and qualification for Asian continental competition.

Al Nahda, who finished fourth in the 14-team league last season, confirmed his arrival over the weekend as part of a broader squad rebuild ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.

Veteran forward continues Asian odyssey

Veldwijk arrives in Oman after a short spell in the United Arab Emirates with Emirates Club, whom he joined in January 2026 for the second half of last season.

His latest switch extends a wide-ranging Asian career that has already taken him to South Korea, Thailand and the UAE.

Before heading to Oman, the well-travelled forward had featured for Suwon FC in the K League, as well as turning out in Thailand’s top division and most recently in the UAE Pro League with Emirates Club.

Al Nahda will be hoping his goals and leadership can help them close the gap on the league’s frontrunners and mount a sustained challenge at the top of the table.

From Europe to Africa and Asia

Born in the Netherlands, Veldwijk has compiled a substantial CV across multiple continents.

In Europe, he has represented clubs including FC Utrecht in the Eredivisie, English side Nottingham Forest, PEC Zwolle in the Dutch top flight and Belgian outfit KV Kortrijk, among others.

His performances at club level led to a call-up to Bafana Bafana, for whom he won seven caps. His last appearance for South Africa came at the 2019 Afcon tournament in Egypt. He has not been selected for national duty since.

Despite being out of the international picture, Veldwijk has continued to attract interest from clubs abroad thanks to his physical presence up front, experience across diverse leagues and proven scoring record.

Al Nahda eye domestic push and AFC stage

Al Nahda’s fourth-place finish last season leaves them within striking distance of the Oman Jindal League’s leading sides, and the club’s hierarchy is understood to see Veldwijk as a key figure in their bid to climb higher.

The Omani club did not reveal the duration of his contract in their official statement, but South African outlet KickOff.com reported that the striker has agreed a one-year deal.

With pre-season preparations under way, Veldwijk is expected to play a central role in Al Nahda’s attacking plans as they target a stronger title challenge and aim to secure a spot in AFC competitions.

His arrival adds further international pedigree to the squad and marks the latest chapter in a career that has taken him from European football to the international stage with South Africa and now deeper into the Middle Eastern game.