Richard Ofori: “South African League is the best in Africa”

Richard Ofori has firmly stated that the South African Premier Soccer League (PSL) is the best football league on the African continent. The 31-year-old goalkeeper, who has played in the league since 2017, shared his views on the competitive nature and widespread appeal of South African football, comparing it favorably to other leagues in Africa.

Ofori, who has spent seven years playing in South Africa, began his PSL journey with Maritzburg United before moving to Orlando Pirates in 2020.

After a stint with the Buccaneers, he now plays for AmaZulu FC. Throughout his time in the league, Ofori has consistently praised its level of competition and popularity, believing these factors set it apart from other African leagues.

In an interview with FARPost, Ofori expressed his belief in the PSL’s supremacy, emphasizing that it is the most-watched football league on the continent.

He likened it to the English Premier League (EPL), which is widely regarded as the most popular football competition in the world. According to Ofori, this global recognition reflects the league’s success.

“The South African league is the best in Africa. There is no doubt about it; it is the most-watched league in Africa, as it is in Europe.

When you go there, the EPL is the most-watched league in the world. So, in Africa, the PSL is the most-watched.

That means we are doing something right, that means things are going well,” Ofori said.

The Ghanaian international also revealed that his reputation within the football world has led to frequent inquiries from European-based players looking for opportunities in the PSL.

This, he believes, is further proof of the league’s quality and the interest it garners globally.

“Some players based in Europe call me and say if I have something here, I have to call them, they are ready to come and play.

So, that means they see the best of what we have here and how beautiful the league is,” Ofori explained.

He further emphasized that players would not express such interest unless they recognized the quality of South African football, citing the example of Bafana Bafana’s achievements as evidence of the league’s strength.

“What I can say is that if they didn’t see anything good, I’m not sure they would call me to want to play here.

The league is incredible, as the example of Bafana Bafana shows. What we are doing well, we have to continue to do so that the league can grow and develop,” Ofori concluded.

Ofori’s statements highlight the growing stature of the PSL within African football, underscoring its increasing global reach and appeal.