Brentford new boy Kamo Mokotjo is determined to try and reach the heights of other South African heroes in English football.
The 26-year-old made the move to Griffin Park two weeks ago and made his first appearance against FC Lausanne Sport in a pre-season friendly.
The midfielder is unavailable for tomorrow's friendly with Oxford due to requiring international clearance to play in a game that people pay to watch. Neal Maupay is also unavailable for the same reason.
He is the only South African, who has featured for his country in the last 12 months, to be at a club in the English league and he is aiming to follow in the footsteps of Charlton favourites Mark Fish and Shaun Bartlett, Leeds legend Lucas Radebe and Blackburn star Benni McCarthy.
He said: “Of course, they were my heroes growing up. If you ask anyone (of my age in South Africa) they'll say the likes of Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish, Benni McCarthy and Shaun Bartlett.
“Those legends, we look up to. That was a good generation of players and we strive to get to those legends.”
Radebe, in particular, was revered at Elland Road with Leeds fans dreaming of a team of Radebes but the whole experience of English football excites Mokotjo.
The Brentford added: “I'm looking forward to the whole experience to be honest. I'm looking forward to seeing how as a person and a footballer I can adapt. I'm looking forward to the whole experience.”
The eyes of a nation will be on what Mokojto does at Griffin Park and he is grateful to have support from thousands of miles away.
He said: “I think I'm the only South African playing in England. It's good that they feel I'm representing the country and that I have their support so I think Brentford will be better known in South Africa now.”
