The 2010 World Cup has not only generated business interest in South Africa, but it has led a number of European soccer legends-turned-coaches into the Absa Premiership. iafrica.com's Khaya Ndubane wonders if this is good for South African soccer.

First, it was the legendary Dutch defender Rudolf 'Ruud' Krol who graced our shores to take over the coaching reigns at Orlando Pirates — then recently Hristo Stoichkov (former Barcelona and Bulgaria legend) was appointed coach at Mamelodi Sundowns.

Krol has turned Pirates into one of the more entertaining sides in the league with many arguing that if he was recruited earlier, he could have easily won the Absa Premiership title. Based on statistics, this argument has merit as Pirates finished equal on points with winners SuperSport United, but United won the league on goal difference.

This season will prove if Krol has what it takes to win the league championship, because unlike last season he will have plenty of time to prepare the team for the upcoming season.

The arrival of Krol has also seen the resurgence of Teko Modise, whose brilliance with Pirates and Bafana Bafana has seen him attract interest from teams in England, Spain and Turkey. Whether he goes or not, Modise will be a key player for Bafana in the 2010 World Cup in South Africa.

Not much can be written about Stoichkov, in as far as his record in the Absa Premiership is concerned, as this will be his debut season. Stoichkov was indeed a brilliant player in his days at Barcelona and if he translates his skills down to the Sundowns players, then like him, 'Downs will be unstoppable this season.

But whether or not these legends are successful in the Absa Premiership, their presence in South Africa will do wonders in terms of putting South Africa on the map.

And with the likes of Frank Rijkaard also constantly linked with a job in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) this will also highlight the Absa Premiership as one of the big leagues in the world.

The Absa Premiership though has not been as kind to other big name coaches, as we have seen the likes of German coach Ernst Middendorp (former Arminia Bielefeld and Kaizer Chiefs coach) and French tactician Henri Michel (former France, Ivory Coast and Mamelodi Sundowns coach) falling by the wayside. But they too provided South African soccer players with different styles of play.

The honest truth is that South African soccer players will benefit from the legends whether they achieve something or not in the Absa Premiership and this can only be good for South Africa not only for the World Cup but beyond it as well!

  • Do you agree with Khaya? Can South African players benefit from playing under soccer legends? Let us know what YOU think!
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