The Premier Soccer League (PSL) in South Africa has produced some of the most talented footballers in the country.

While their skills on the field are the primary reason for their success, some players have also benefitted from the fame and influence of their famous parents.

Whether through access to better resources, networking opportunities, or even personal guidance, these players’ familial legacies have undoubtedly played a role in shaping their careers.

Here’s a look at PSL players with famous parents and how they’ve benefited from their family connections.

Teboho Mokoena – Son of Former Soccer Player, David Mokoena

Teboho Mokoena, a talented midfielder who currently plays for SuperSport United and the South African national team, has football in his blood.

His father, David Mokoena, was also a professional footballer, having played for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team.

Growing up in a football family, Teboho had early exposure to the sport, benefiting from his father’s knowledge and experience.

David Mokoena’s involvement in South African football opened doors for Teboho, allowing him to access better training facilities, coaching, and networking opportunities that many aspiring players wouldn’t typically have.

Teboho has often spoken about how his father’s guidance shaped his career and how he benefited from his father’s understanding of the pressures and dynamics of professional football.

Keagan Dolly – Son of Former Soccer Player, Gerald Dolly

Keagan Dolly, one of the most exciting wingers in South African football, also has football royalty in his family.

His father, Gerald Dolly, was a notable footballer during the 1990s, playing for teams like Ajax Cape Town and Moroka Swallows.

Gerald Dolly was well-respected in South African football and was known for his technical ability and versatility on the field.

Keagan’s rise to prominence can be attributed, in part, to the support and mentorship he received from his father, who not only understood the dynamics of South African football but also had an international outlook on the game.

Gerald’s guidance, combined with the access to top-level training, helped Keagan excel, leading to a successful career that took him to Montauban, Kaizer Chiefs, and eventually to France’s Montpellier HSC.

Having a father who had already navigated the challenges of professional football gave Keagan a clear advantage in terms of preparation, both mentally and physically, for the high demands of the PSL and international football.

Tiyani Mabunda – Son of Former Soccer Player, Kabelo Mabunda

Tiyani Mabunda is a defensive midfielder for Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team.

His father, Kabelo Mabunda, also played football professionally and had an impact on Tiyani’s early development as a player.

Tiyani has often credited his father for teaching him important footballing skills and instilling the discipline needed for a professional career.

Kabelo Mabunda’s legacy in South African football gave Tiyani a significant edge when it came to breaking into top-tier football.

The young Mabunda had access to elite training facilities and coaching, as well as an understanding of the sacrifices and pressures involved in becoming a professional footballer.

This familial connection helped Tiyani adapt quickly to the demanding world of the PSL.

Fagrie Lakay – Son of Former Soccer Player, Farouk Lakay

Fagrie Lakay, the talented winger who has played for teams like Cape Town City and Stellenbosch FC, is the son of Farouk Lakay, a former professional footballer who enjoyed a successful career in the PSL.

Farouk Lakay was known for his time at Cape Town Spurs and Orlando Pirates, and he was highly regarded for his creativity and technique on the ball.

Fagrie’s entry into the football world was greatly influenced by his father, who helped him navigate the complexities of a career in football.

Farouk Lakay’s experience in the PSL provided Fagrie with invaluable knowledge about the game, from tactical awareness to handling media attention and pressure.

Being the son of a former player also helped Fagrie build important relationships in the footballing community, which likely contributed to his success in the PSL.

Bongani Zungu – Son of Former Soccer Player, Vusi Zungu

Bongani Zungu is one of South Africa’s top midfielders, known for his time at Mamelodi Sundowns and his international career with the South African national team.

His father, Vusi Zungu, was a former professional footballer who played for various PSL clubs, including Jomo Cosmos.

Bongani often credits his father for being a strong influence during his formative years, offering both practical footballing advice and emotional support.

Vusi Zungu’s experience in South African football helped his son understand the demands of the professional game.

Furthermore, the Zungu family’s connections within the PSL network made it easier for Bongani to access better opportunities in terms of club scouting, coaching, and even sponsorships.

The solid foundation laid by his father allowed Bongani to make a successful transition from local football to playing in France with Amiens SC, before making a move to Rangers FC in Scotland.

Mthokozisi Yende – Son of Former Soccer Player, Sizwe Yende

Mthokozisi Yende, an attacking midfielder, plays for Chippa United in the PSL.

His father, Sizwe Yende, was a former PSL player who played for clubs like AmaZulu and Jomo Cosmos.

Though Sizwe’s career didn’t achieve the same level of fame as some other footballers, his son Mthokozisi benefitted from the knowledge and experience his father provided.

Growing up with a father who understood the nuances of the South African football scene gave Mthokozisi a distinct advantage, allowing him to get an early start in youth academies and giving him insight into the mental and physical demands of top-tier football.

Mthokozisi has often spoken about how his father’s mentorship helped him overcome obstacles in his career, including navigating life in the competitive PSL.

Lyle Lakay – Son of Former Soccer Player, Victor Lakay

Lyle Lakay, a prominent left-back who has played for Mamelodi Sundowns, also has a famous father — Victor Lakay, a former professional footballer who made his mark in the PSL with Orlando Pirates and Jomo Cosmos.

Lyle has been open about the influence his father had on his career, with Victor’s legacy giving Lyle both a role model and a mentor.

Victor Lakay’s experience in the PSL gave Lyle an understanding of the game from a very early age.

This connection allowed Lyle to access better coaching, training, and support networks, helping him transition smoothly from local youth teams to one of South Africa’s most successful clubs, Mamelodi Sundowns.

His father’s reputation and legacy also helped Lyle in terms of gaining respect in the locker room and building relationships with fellow players.

Conclusion: The Influence of Famous Parents in South African Football

Having a famous parent can be a game-changer for aspiring athletes, providing them with both tangible and intangible benefits.

From the knowledge passed down to the access to elite networks, these PSL players with famous parents have undoubtedly benefitted from their family legacies.

However, it’s important to note that while their parents’ influence might have opened doors, these players still had to prove themselves on the field through hard work, dedication, and skill.

Whether it’s the mentorship of experienced fathers like Teboho Mokoena and Keagan Dolly, or the career guidance provided by former players like Fagrie Lakay and Lyle Lakay, these players have leveraged their family connections to further their careers, yet their talent and determination have ultimately been the driving force behind their success.