The Big Interview SL Podcast

When Lyle Foster was released by Orlando Pirates to Monaco in 2019, not many would have predicted the path he traveled. The 22-year-old made a few appearances for the french outfit before being sent out on loan to  Cercle Brugge. From there, Foster bounced around Europe until he settled in Belgium where he starred for Westerloo. Foster was showing the world what he was capable of and all of the hard work paid off when Burnley FC broke the bank to acquire the striker's signature. Burnley was on the verge of promotion to the English Premier League, but nothing was certain. Foster help Vincent Kompany's men to promotion and from the 2023/24 EPL season, South Africa will be represented in England once again. 

The fact that Foster will be the only South African in the league poses a dark question; why will he be the only South African to feature in the EPL? Many experts in South Africa suggest that we have more than enough talent and Mzansi tends to agree. So where is it all going wrong? Thomas 'TK' Kwenaite suggests that local clubs are receiving interest from Europe, but then exorbitant price tags get discussed which in succession, turn the European clubs away; ultimately ruining a chance of a lifetime for these talented players. 

On the latest episode of the Big Interview, Thomas Kwenaite discuss Lyle Foster's move to Burnely and the club's promotion to Englands top flight With Sean Roberts. The gents discuss the troubling fact of a lack of local talent in European football leagues.

Grant Margeman is very quickly becoming a household name in the PSL where he is currently on loan at Supersport United. Grant began his career at Ajax Cape Town where he found his footing in South African football. After a few years in the Mother City, DStv Premiership giants, Mamelodi Sundowns came knocking and signed the Cape Town-born player. Grant has been on loan for years, where he has grown into a deadly midfielder, with credible dribbling and an eye for defence-splitting passing. His current loan deal with Matsanatsana is on a 1-year deal, with an option to extend for an extra 12 months, should Supersport want to keep the player. Margeman is at the point in his career where game time is a top priority and acquiring minutes is a must. He is a regular starter under Gavin Hunt and his performances have backed this up.

Grant was a part of Mamelodi Sundowns' 2020/21 PSL winning team and even though he tasted DStv victory, he states that a part of him wishes he was able to contribute more. Grant speaks further on Mamelodi Sundowns and explains that because of the structure at the club and the way everything is run, their dominance, squad depth, and talent pool are big reasons for Masandawana's dominance in recent years.

On the latest episode of the Big Interview, Supersport United midfielder Grant Margeman talks about his journey in football thus far. Grant discusses Sundowns' dominance in recent years and explains what he thinks is needed to bring the PSL onto an even Playing field. The 24-year-old sheds some light on the current state of the PSL and provides ideas for clubs to incentivise fans to attend matches.

VAR has been implemented in leagues around the world and a love-hate relationship has sprouted. The footballing world is split, with many suggesting that the VAR is killing the game whilst the other half argues that introducing technology will only better the game. Even though CAR is indeed technology, it is run by humans which in turn, brings with it human error. 'Schoolboy' mistakes are still being made with much to learn from.

Morocco is one of the only African countries with VAR in their local leagues and so far, it seems to be going according to plan. This now poses the question, of how and when will SAFA and the PSL come to terms with each other and agree on implementing VAR in the PSL. We have seen some shocking decisions being made in recent weeks, goals being ruled offside and cards not being shown. This is a worry to the side of the footballing world who suggests that VAR will only better the quality of officiating.

On the latest episode of the Big Interview, renowned football journalist Thomas 'TK' Kwenaite sits down with Sean Roberts to discuss the pros and cons of the implementation of VAR in the PSL. The gents discuss the standard of officiating in South Africa and what needs to be done to rectify this ongoing issue.

What could be called a little know fact, is that there are over 100 players, globally who are eligible to repent Bafana Bafana from the youth level to the first team. These players range forage 9 ups until the early twenties. Many are playing for the best youth academies around the world such as Liverpool, Manchester City, Ajax Amsterdam, and many more. The question still remains, why does SAFA still not pay attention to these players?

These youngsters that are captaining sides abroad, are immensely talented, yet they seem to be overlooked and not recognized, how can this be changed? According to player monitor Prince Sobayeni, the best way forward is to have scouts and player monitors pay attention to these players abroad. They need to pay close attention and even go and watch the games - these monitors should be based abroad. Prince also suggests that Bafana Bafana and SAFA should set up academies to utilize the growth already applied by the foreign-based clubs.

On the latest episode of the Big Interview, player monitor and analyst Prince Sobayeni discusses his views on South African footballs playing abroad and how they could be included in SAFA and the Bafana setup.

Pitso Mosimane is no stranger to challenges and it seems as if Jingles is facing his biggest challenge yet. The serial winner has joined Al Ahli Saudi FC and has recently been relegated from the Saudi Pro League, and the club hopes to be promoted. Al Ahli Saudi FC has lost plenty of finances after being relegated and has splashed the cash on Jingles. People may have questioned this move from Pitso's point of view, and according to football journalist Thomas 'TK' Kewnaite; Coach Pitso knows what he is doing. Pitso is an incredibly intelligent coach and we must back him fully.

The PSL Transfer window has been closed for a few days and the last-minute signings have made their debuts. Both former Mamelodi Sundowns Goalie Sean Roberts and SA footballing journalist Thomas Kwenatie give their two-sense on the latest and the greatest of these transfers. TK gives his top five transfers.

The gents also dive into the first leg round of the MTN8 semi-finals which saw some surprising results. 'It was shocking how Sundowns didn't manage a shot on target, but take nothing away from Pirates and how they played against Masandawana - TK. Chiefs could've won the game but they also could've lost the game and it is evident that Amakhosi arent where they want to be just yet.

Mihlali Mayambela started his international journey in 2016 when he signed for Swedish first division club Djurgårdens IF Fotboll. At the time, Mihlali was only 20 years old and had left Cape Town All stars to take the world by the horns. Since his first transfer abroad, he has played for clubs in Portugal, Israel, and now his current club, Aris Limassol in Cyprus.
The midfielder takes us on a journey through his career, explaining the different cultural norms, and football styles the respective countries have and explains the challenges of adjusting!

Mihlali gets asked about which players he looked up to as a young baller, and although his answer may not be that surprising, the reasoning behind choosing this player will astound you! “The impact he had was different to others, I can compare him to prime Neymar,” says the 26-year-old

Speaking on the latest episode of the Big Interview, Aris Limassol FC playmaker Mihlali Mayamebela gives an insight into life abroad, and the struggles he’s had to overcome and compares a PSL legend to prime Neymar!