Northern Cape’s football conveyor belt produces another gem as AmaZulu target Mokwena
Under head coach Arthur Zwane, AmaZulu have shown clear intent to sharpen their attack and climb higher up the table. Zwane, who took sole charge of Usuthu earlier this year after arriving from Kaizer Chiefs, has been actively reshaping the squad.
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AmaZulu FC’s attempt to sign Upington City winger Bokang Mokwena faltered at the final hurdle due to a transfer fee disagreement, according to a recent report. However, behind the scenes of the transfer market hustle, the real story seems to be the Northern Cape’s emergence as a hub for footballing talent.
Despite being South Africa’s largest province by area, with the smallest population, and often overlooked, the region is now consistently producing players who draw interest from top clubs.
Emile Witbooi immediately comes to mind. This young maestro broke into Cape Town City’s starting XI after Spurs and Chelsea reportedly scouted him – an impressive rise from kicking the ball around in Barkly Road.
Meanwhile, Kimberley-born goalkeeper Jaden Bardenhorst was accepted into the SAFA National Academy, while FC Real Madrid and Hungry Lions FC (from Postmasburg) compete in national leagues, showcasing depth in local talent.
Against this backdrop, 24-year-old Mokwena has shone at Upington City, netting 12 goals in 29 matches in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
His breathtaking pace and skill caught the eye of AmaZulu, who entered negotiations that ultimately stalled due to fee expectations.
Under head coach Arthur Zwane, AmaZulu have shown clear intent to sharpen their attack and climb higher up the table. Zwane, who took sole charge of Usuthu earlier this year after arriving from Kaizer Chiefs, has been actively reshaping the squad – Mokwena was one of the talents he had hoped to bring in.
While there’s potential for a better offer, Mokwena's emergence is part of a broader trend: the Northern Cape, despite its sparse population and long travel distances between teams, is developing strong grassroots structures – like the Spakes Soccer Development Centre in Kimberley, to name but one example.
Just imagine, if infrastructure and funding continue to grow, the region will likely contribute even more players to the national stage. All in all, the Northern Cape’s football dream is no longer a distant hope – it’s unfolding before our eyes.