A Manchester City legend has given his perspective on the impact South African players have had on England's Premier League over the years.
Shaun Wright-Phillips was speaking at an event hosted by Manchester City and PUMA as part of the side's global Trophy Tour when he revealed that he believes many more players from Mzansi will be making the move to England in the future.
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The retired attacker is a product of City's academy and made his debut for the club in 1999.
In July 2005, the winger moved to Chelsea and spent three years at Stamford Bridge, before returning to the Citizens.
Having revealed that Miguel Timm is his favourite South African player, the now 42-year-old was also asked about players from Mzansi and the impression they left on England's top flight.
"For me, personally, the impact speaks for itself. I think everybody knows how hard and competitive the Premier League is in general," he explained.
"And for you to come over from, say, South Africa and walk in the Premier League and survive over a season, that basically says you're more than capable and a very good, talented player.
"And I know there's great players that come out of South Africa, but it's just timing. I always portray football as timing. Even in my career, if times were right.
"I broke through; my brother broke through the same time as me at Man City. If he had had the same manager at the same time, he most probably would have played for Manchester City a bit longer.
"It's just personal preference on what style of player you want in your team, and does he work with that network that you're trying to build. If he doesn't, then basically you're out of the way and that's the world of football.
"I still think there will be a lot more South African players coming over to England."
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