VALUE Former Bafana Bafana and Manchester United star, Quinton Fortune has hailed the value of South Africans plying their trade in Europe.

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Former Bafana Bafana and Manchester United midfielder Quinton Fortune believes Relebohile Mofokeng and Olwethu Makhanya’s moves to Europe could help take South African football to another level.

Fortune has welcomed Mofokeng’s move from Orlando Pirates to Belgian side Royale Union Saint-Gilloise, while also backing Makhanya’s switch from Philadelphia Union to Scottish giants Rangers.

The former midfielder believes both players have placed themselves in environments that will challenge them, improve their football and ultimately benefit the national team.

Fortune said he had watched Mofokeng during the World Cup and immediately felt the young attacker needed to test himself in Europe.

“It’s brilliant to see Relebohile Mofokeng in Europe. This is one of the best things that could have happened for him and the national team. I knew a little bit about him before, but I watched him during the World Cup and I said he needs to go to Europe and boom, he got the move to Belgium,” Fortune said.

Mofokeng has already experienced European competition, featuring in the Europa League and scoring for Union SG as he continues adapting to Belgian football.

Fortune believes the league provides an excellent starting point for the 22-year-old, particularly as he gets regular opportunities to learn and develop against different opposition.

He also sees Makhanya’s move to Rangers as a significant step in the defender’s career, with the experience of playing in Scotland’s demanding football environment expected to accelerate his progress.

“I’ve seen Olwethu Makhanya a little bit when he was in MLS before. This is a great move for him. This is unbelievable to be able to play for Rangers in the Scottish Premiership. Again, if he wants to improve, that’s what he’s got to do,” he said.

Makhanya has already experienced the intensity of the Old Firm fixture, an occasion Fortune believes offers a valuable lesson in handling pressure at the highest level.

“MLS, with all due respect, is a great league, but European football is just another level. He will improve there, he played in the Old Firm. I mean, you couldn’t ask for a better experience in football. The Old Firm is football at its most pressured,” Fortune added.

For Fortune, however, the bigger picture is the impact that having more South African players competing in Europe could have on Bafana.

He has long encouraged local players to take opportunities abroad when they arise, arguing that exposure to stronger competition is essential for their development.

“For any South African players that are able to play in Europe, I’ve been saying this for years, when they have the opportunity, go.

“Because that’s the only way they can improve their football, and that’s going to strengthen the national team.”

Fortune pointed to the careers of Lionel Messi, Cristiano Ronaldo and Ronaldinho as examples of players who left their home countries to compete in different football environments.

His belief is that South Africa needs more players following that path if Bafana are to become more competitive against the world’s best.

With Mofokeng and Makhanya now taking that step, Fortune hopes their European experiences will inspire more local talent to pursue opportunities abroad.