Luther Singh embraces AEL Limassol vice-captaincy as Europe ambitions continue

Luther Singh’s decision to remain in Europe has been rewarded with the vice-captaincy at AEL Limassol, but the 29-year-old says he is still determined to achieve more in his career abroad.

Singh joined the Cyprus club in 2024 and has established himself as one of their most influential attacking players. He contributed 16 goals and assists in 31 appearances last season, and has already recorded one goal and one assist in four matches this campaign.

The South Africa international has spent 11 years playing overseas, experiencing both setbacks and successes that he says have shaped him as a person and a footballer.

Speaking to the media on Monday after returning to the national team for the first time in five years, Singh displayed the maturity and leadership qualities valued by coaches. Those qualities have also led AEL Limassol to give him a senior role within the squad.

“I am the vice-captain. For me, there are many leaders in the team and I believe it helps me because it shows the appreciation the club has for me and it shows that they are seeing the hard work that I am putting in, and they are respecting and appreciating me,” Singh said.

“Even if I was not the captain, I always try to give my best for the club and in every game that I play. It’s just to keep me going and help where I can and always give my 100 percent for the club and the national team.”

Singh insists the new responsibility has not changed his ambition or work ethic. Rather than looking towards the end of his career, he believes there is still time to fulfil the targets he set after moving to Europe at a young age.

“I went to Europe at a young age. I have ambitions and goals I want to achieve. Until now, I have not achieved those goals, so I keep trying and I can’t give up,” he said.

“Giving up is not in my system, so I keep going after my dream. I am just grateful and honoured every year to be able to stay in Europe as long as I did.

“You never know what the future holds, so I keep doing my job in this moment and living in the present.”

Singh is currently in camp with Bafana Bafana, who began preparing on Monday for their 2027 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Guinea and Eritrea, along with a friendly international against Egypt.

South Africa will host Guinea at Orlando Stadium on Saturday before travelling to Egypt to face Eritrea in their second Group D qualifying match next Wednesday.