Which South African footballer has made the most Premier League appearances - and no, it’s not Lucas Radebe…

Simon Wilkes
17 October 2023

Not many South African footballers have made it into the Premier League arena since it was launched in 1992 - here Planet Sport looks at those who have, and ranks them in order of league appearances.

Tokelo Rantie (striker) - AFC Bournemouth, 3 appearances

Matthew Pattison (midfielder) - Newcastle United, 10 appearances

Mbulelo Mabizela (defender) - Tottenham Hotspur, 7 appearances, 1 goal

So that’s those three out of the way, and well done if you remember them.

We are into the top 10 South African footballers now, so here we go…

Erik Tinkler (midfielder) - Barnsley FC, 25 appearances, 2 goals

Spent five years at Oakwell from July 1997-2002, getting on the scoresheet twice and setting up one goal after arriving on a deal from Cagliari Calcio.

Phil Masinga (striker) - Leeds United, 31 appearances, 5 goals

Joined Leeds from Sundowns on July 1, 1994, moving to Elland Road at the same time as fellow countryman Lucas Radebe; Passed away in January 2019 after a battle with cancer.

Kagisho Dikgacoi (midfielder) - Fulham and Crystal Palace, 39 appearances

Made more English top-flight appearances than Masinga - but did not leave the same impression, probably down to the fact he played for Fulham and Palace, not Leeds.

Quinton Fortune (winger/wingback) - Manchester United and Bolton Wanderers, 83 appearances, 5 goals

Moved to Manchester from Atletico Madrid in January 2000, winning league titles and an FA Cup before joining Bolton on a free transfer in July 2006. Had a peach of a left foot and offered versatility to Sir Alex Ferguson, able to play anywhere on the left flank, attacking or defending.

Benni McCarthy (striker) - Blackburn Rovers and West Ham, 120 appearances, 37 goals

Moved to Blackburn Rovers from FC Porto on July 1, 2006, then moved to West Ham in February 2010, leaving Upton Park in April 2011. Currently a member of Erik ten Hag’s coaching team at Manchester United, working closely with the Red Devils’ forward players.

Aaron Mokoena (defender) - Blackburn Rovers, Portsmouth, 124 appearances

Joined Rovers from KRC Genk in January 2005, and won Blackburn fans over with powerful performances, relishing the physical battles with Premier League strikers. Rock-solid and reliable on the ball, he moved to Portsmouth in July 2009 and left three years later, having also performed well in Pompey’s backline.

Mark Fish (defender) - Bolton Wanderers and Charlton Athletic, 124 appearances, 4 goals

Former Orlando Pirates defender Fish moved from the glamorous surroundings of Lazio to…Bolton, in the not-so glamorous North-West of England. Good on the ball and strong in the air, he had a fine career with Wanderers and also performed well at Charlton Athletic.

Shaun Bartlett (striker) - Charlton Athletic, 123 appearances, 24 goals

Moved to The Valley from FC Zurich in January 2001, and spent five years with the Addicks before moving to Kaizer Chiefs on a free transfer in July 2006.

Possessing a good mix of pace and power, most Premier League fans will remember Bartlett as he scored some eye-catching goals during his spell with the London club.

Lucas Radebe (central defender) - Leeds United, 197 appearances

Joined Leeds United from Kaizer Chiefs for £375,000 on July 1, 1994 and went on to become a club legend, winning United fans over with his uncompromising tackling and tenacity.

Was initially brought over to West Yorkshire to help Phil Masinga settle into life in Leeds - but Radebe emerged as a real talisman for the club, and is still adored in the city to this day, with a Leeds-based band calling themselves Kaiser Chiefs in his honour.

Steven Pienaar (attacking midfielder) - Everton, Tottenham, Sunderland, 214 appearances, 22 goals

Caught the eye after joining Everton from Borussia Dortmund in July 2007, becoming a fans favourite at Goodison Park thanks to an all-action style of play and an impressive tally of goals and assists.

Secured a move to Tottenham and also played for Sunderland, ensuring he stands alone as the only South African footballer to play for three Premier League clubs.