Tshegofatso Mabasa among Africa’s most valuable South African players

Tshegofatso Mabasa has moved into second place among the most valuable South African footballers playing elsewhere on the African continent after joining Moroccan champions Maghreb Fez.

The 29-year-old striker completed a surprise move to the reigning Botola Pro champions this week after becoming a free agent when his contract with Orlando Pirates expired.

Mabasa’s market value is listed at €1.3m (R24.5m), placing him behind fellow South African forward Fagrie Lakay in the latest rankings. His valuation is in line with a previous report by KickOff.com that he had agreed a lucrative three-year contract with Maghreb Fez.

Lakay remains the most valuable South African player competing elsewhere in Africa, with a valuation of €1.5m (R28m). His market value has stayed at that level since he joined Egyptian club Ceramica Cleopatra on a permanent deal last year.

Before that move, Lakay spent three years with another Egyptian side, Pyramids.

Mabasa’s transfer continues a relatively uncommon trend for South African players, who have not traditionally moved to clubs in other African countries while in their prime. Percy Tau is among those who helped create a pathway for players from Mzansi to pursue opportunities elsewhere on the continent.

The third-highest valued South African player in Africa is also a striker. Keletso Makgalwa is currently valued at €1.2m (R22.6m) following his recent move to Simba from Sekhukhune United.

Esperance midfielder Elias Mokwana is fourth on the list, with a market value of €600,000 (R11.2m). Mokwana spent last season on loan with Saudi Arabian club Al Hazem.

Completing the top five is Thembinkosi Lorch, whose valuation remains at €400,000 (R7.5m). Lorch joined Libyan club Al Ittihad from Wydad Casablanca.

The rankings are based on valuations published by the Transfermarkt website.

Several other South African players based at clubs across the continent have not yet had their profiles updated, meaning their current values are not included in the list. Those players are Rushine de Reuck, Jacob Everson, Tumelo Njoti, Hopewell Cele and Abednigo Mosiatlhaga.

Mabasa’s move to Morocco represents a notable step in his career after his spell with Orlando Pirates ended. His immediate inclusion near the top of the valuation rankings also makes him one of the most prominent South African players currently pursuing a club career outside the country but within Africa.