Luther Singh

Last updated

Luther Singh
Personal information
Full name Luther Wesley Singh [1]
Date of birth (1997-08-05) 5 August 1997 (age 27)
Place of birth Noordgesig, South Africa [2]
Height 1.71 m (5 ft 7 in) [3]
Position(s) Winger
Team information
Current team
AEL Limassol
Number 17
Youth career
2008–2015 Stars of Africa
Senior career*
YearsTeamApps(Gls)
2015–2016 GAIS 36 (11)
2017–2021 Braga B 52 (14)
2019Chaves (loan) 17 (2)
2019–2020Moreirense (loan) 21 (3)
2020–2021Paços Ferreira (loan) 29 (5)
2021–2023 Copenhagen 4 (0)
2022–2023Chaves (loan) 22 (0)
2023–2024 Čukarički 10 (2)
2024– AEL Limassol 6 (1)
International career
2016–2017 South Africa U20 13 (9)
2019–2021 South Africa U23 9 (1)
2017– South Africa 13 (3)
*Club domestic league appearances and goals, correct as of 21:07, 24 October 2024 (UTC)
‡ National team caps and goals, correct as of 10:14, 19 April 2023 (UTC)

Luther Wesley Singh (born 5 August 1997) is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a winger for Cypriot club AEL Limassol and the South Africa national team.

Contents

Prior to making his senior international debut in 2017, Singh represented the South Africa national under-20 team, with whom he won the Golden Boot award at both the 2016 COSAFA Under-20 Championships and the 2017 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations.

Club career

Early career

Singh is an academy graduate of the famed South-African-based Stars of Africa football academy which he joined at the age of 11, after being scouted by Farouk Khan. [4] Through the academy, Singh was afforded the opportunity to train in Brazil when he was 16 where he spent time with Vasco da Gama and Fluminense. [4]

GAIS

Singh's success at the Stars of Africa academy caught the attention of numerous clubs and in 2015 Swedish second-division side GAIS signed him. [4] [5] [6] In his first season with GAIS, Singh was employed as a winger and netted two goals in eight league appearances for the club before his season was cut short through injury. [7] [8] For the 2016 campaign, he was converted into a forward and scored the first professional hat-trick of his career on 22 May in a 7-0 win over Ängelholm. [9] In July, the player confirmed that the Real Madrid B side and Swansea had previously been in contact with Khan, as his agent, over a potential transfer. GAIS rejected these advances, however, in a bid to hold on to Singh until his contract expired. [10] In August of the same year, Singh rejected a move to Serie A side Pescara, claiming better options would become available to him once he was a free-agent. [11] He ultimately made 28 appearances for the Superettan season and scored 9 goals as GAIS ended the campaign in eighth place. [12]

Braga

Following the expiration of his contract with GAIS, Singh signed for Portuguese Primeira Liga side Braga on 21 January 2017. [13] There, he teamed up with the club's reserve side who played in the LigaPro. He scored his first goal on 15 February 2017, netting the fifth in a 5–0 win over Vizela, and ultimately scored 14 goals in 52 appearances over the next season and a half. [14] [15]

Loan to Chaves

In January 2019, Singh joined fellow Primeira Liga side Chaves on loan for the remainder of the season. [16] On 3 January, he made his debut for the club and was named man of the match for his performance in a 0–0 draw with Feirense. [15] He scored his first goal in his third appearance for the club, netting the winner in a 2–1 league win over Tondela. [17] He ultimately scored twice in seventeen appearances, but Chaves suffered relegation at the end of the campaign. [18]

Loan to Moreirense

On 13 August 2019, he joined another Portuguese club Moreirense on a season-long loan. [19]

Loan to Paços de Ferreira

On 21 September 2020, he joined another Portuguese club Paços de Ferreira on a loan. [20]

Copenhagen

On 18 August 2021, Singh was picked up by perennial Danish frontrunner F.C. Copenhagen on a permanent transfer for an undisclosed fee. [21] He made his debut on 22 August, coming on as a substitute for Mohamed Daramy in the 80th minute of a 2–0 win over SønderjyskE. [22] In the UEFA Europa Conference League game against PAOK on 21 October, he came on as a half-time substitute, but was subbed off again before the final whistle. [23] [24] He was heavily criticized for his performance, with Danish commentators during the game saying that "he looks like someone who ate three burgers before coming onto the pitch". [25] [26] He was hospitalised in November 2021 after falling ill, [27] something his agent later attributed to depression after being subject to criticism. [28]

Singh joined former club Chaves on a season-long loan on 24 August 2022. [29]

Singh was released from his Copenhagen contract on 1 September 2023. [30]

International career

Under-20

Singh represented South Africa at the 2016 COSAFA Under-20 Championships and scored in nation's 8-0 win over Lesotho during the group stage. [31] After winning all three of their group stage matches, South Africa progressed to the semi-final where they beat Angola 5-0, with Singh netting a hat-trick on the day. [32] [33] South Africa lost in the final, however, with an assist from Singh not enough to prevent the nation going down 2-1 to Zambia. [34] [35] At the conclusion of the tournament Singh was awarded the Golden Boot award for his tally of five goals throughout the competition. [34] He then represented South Africa at the 2017 Africa U-20 Cup of Nations and scored a hat-trick in the nation's opening match against Cameroon. [36] He scored once more against Senegal before South Africa were eliminated from the competition in the semi-finals, losing out again to eventual champions Zambia. Singh's tally of four goals for the tournament, coupled with two assists earned him the Golden Boot award and a spot in the CAF Best XI. [37] In May the same year, Singh was named in South Africa's 21-man squad for the 2017 FIFA U-20 World Cup in South Korea. [38]

Senior

Following his impressive performances at the Africa U-20 Cup of Nations, Singh was called up by interim manager Owen Da Gama to the senior national team in March 2018 for friendlies against Guinea-Bissau and Angola. [39] Though an unused substitute in South Africa's 3–1 win over the former, he made his debut for the national team on 28 March against the latter, starting in a 0–0 draw. [40] The following year he was named in Stuart Baxter's provisional squad for the 2018 COSAFA Cup before taking part in the 2019 edition where he scored his first international goals, against Botswana and Uganda respectively. [41] [42]

Personal life

Singh is of black South African and partial Indian descent, through his Punjabi Sikh grandfather, and was raised in the Noordgesig township in Soweto. His father, uncle and cousins all played football at an amateur or semi-pro level. [4]

Career statistics

Club

As of match played 24 October 2024 [43]
Appearances and goals by club, season and competition
ClubSeasonLeagueNational cup [lower-alpha 1] League cup [lower-alpha 2] EuropeOtherTotal
LeagueAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoalsAppsGoals
GAIS 2015 Superettan 8231113
2016 28910299
Total3611414012
Braga B 2016–17 Liga Portugal 2 9191
2017–18 35113511
2018–19 8282
Total52145214
Braga 2018–19 Primeira Liga 0010000010
Chaves (loan) 2018–19 1720000172
Moreirense (loan) 2019–20 2131000223
Paços de Ferreira (loan) 2020–21 2950010305
Copenhagen 2021–22 Danish Superliga 40003 [lower-alpha 3] 070
Chaves (loan) 2022–23 Primeira Liga 2201021251
Čukarički 2023–24 Serbian SuperLiga 1022040162
AEL Limassol 2024–25 Cypriot First Division 610061
Career total1973891313000216340

International

As of 4 June 2019 [44]
Appearances and goals by national team and year
National teamYearAppsGoals
South Africa 201710
201820
201922
Total52
Scores and results list South Africa's goal tally first, score column indicates score after each Singh goal.
List of international goals scored by Luther Singh [44]
No.DateVenueOpponentScoreResultCompetition
12 June 2019 Princess Magogo Stadium, KwaMashu, South AfricaFlag of Botswana.svg  Botswana 1–02–2 (4–5 p) 2019 COSAFA Cup
24 June 2019Princess Magogo Stadium, KwaMashu, South AfricaFlag of Uganda.svg  Uganda 1–11–1 (4–2 p)2019 COSAFA Cup

Honours

Copenhagen

South Africa U23

Individual

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">South Africa women's national soccer team</span> Womens national association football team representing South Africa

The South Africa women's national football team, nicknamed Banyana Banyana, is the national team of South Africa and is controlled by the South African Football Association.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Teko Modise</span> South African footballer

Teko Tsholofelo Modise, nicknamed The General and Techno M, is a South African retired professional footballer, former Bafana Bafana captain who played as a midfielder and who is currently a staff member at Cape Town City Football Club.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thulani Serero</span> South African soccer player (born 1990)

Thulani Caleb Serero is a South African soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Khor Fakkan and the South African national team.

Tshepo Gumede is a South African professional footballer who plays for Cape Town Spurs as a defender.

Morne Peter Nel is a South African footballer who plays as a midfielder for Ajax Cape Town on loan from SuperSport United in the Premier Soccer League.

Zama Ashley Rambuwane is a South African footballer who played as a midfielder.

Lorenzo João Gordinho is a South African professional footballer who plays as a centre-back for Cape Town City and the South Africa national team.

Siphesihle Ndlovu is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Premier Soccer League side SuperSport United and the South Africa national team. An academy graduate of Maritzburg United, he made his professional debut in 2016 and went on to make over 80 appearances for the club. During the 2017–18 season, he helped the club to record-high fourth-place finish in the league and was rewarded for his form with the Young Player of the Season award. At the end of the following season, he joined Orlando Pirates. He is a fan favorite in Pietermaritzburg and his nickname is Mbesuma.

Lebohang Kgosana Maboe is a South African professional soccer player who plays as an attacking midfielder or forward for South African Premier Division club Mamelodi Sundowns and the South African national team. He is the son of former Moroka Swallows and Orlando Pirates player Sidwell Maboe.

Teboho Mokoena is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a midfielder for Premier Soccer League side Mamelodi Sundowns and the South Africa national team.He is widely known as one of the best midfielders in Africa due to his ability to connect midfield and defense and also his technique of taking long shots.

Rushine De Reuck is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a defender or defensive midfielder for South African Premier Division side Mamelodi Sundowns and the South Africa national team.

Sepana Victor Letsoalo is a South African soccer player who plays as a forward for South African Premier Division side TS Galaxy and South African national team.

Gladwin Shitolo is a South African soccer player who plays as a defensive midfielder, centre-back or right-back for South African Premier Division side Lamontville Golden Arrows.

Sandile Mthethwa is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a centre-back for Orlando Pirates and formerly the South Africa national football team.

Kamohelo Abel Mahlatsi is a South African professional soccer player who plays as an attacking midfielder or centre forward for Marumo Gallants. He has also represented South Africa at under-23 and senior international levels.

Zakhele Lerato Lepasa is a South African professional soccer player who plays as a centre forward for South African Premier Division side Orlando Pirates and the South Africa national football team.

Moegamat Yusuf Maart is a South African soccer player who plays as an attacking midfielder for South African Premier Division club Kaizer Chiefs and the South Africa national team.

Morena Ramoreboli is a South African manager who currently manages Botswana Premier League side Jwaneng Galaxy Football Club.

Zuko Mdunyelwa is a South African soccer player who plays as a defender for Mamelodi Sundowns in the Premier Soccer League.

References

  1. "FIFA U-20 World Cup Korea Republic 2017: List of Players" (PDF). FIFA.com. Fédération Internationale de Football Association. 9 January 2017. Archived from the original (PDF) on 25 December 2018. Retrieved 25 October 2020.
  2. Said, Nick (12 December 2016). "Is Luther Singh the next great South Africa soccer star?". Times Live. Retrieved 13 December 2016.
  3. "Luther Singh". Stars of Africa. Archived from the original on 2 March 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  4. 1 2 3 4 "Is This Africa's Next Star?". Forbes. 12 July 2017. Retrieved 12 July 2017.
  5. "Real Madrid want South African teenager Luther Singh". KickOff. 14 July 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  6. Crann, Joe (18 August 2015). "Swedish Club Snap Up Another South African". Soccer Laduma. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  7. "Luther Singh on song in Sweden at GAIS". KickOff. 13 May 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  8. Crann, Joe (29 February 2016). "Swedish-Based SA Starlet Missing Due To Passport Issues". KickOff. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  9. Said, Nick (24 May 2016). "Victory is Swede for SA footballer Singh". Times Live. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  10. Crann, Joe (29 September 2016). "Swansea Keen On GAIS' SA Superstar". Soccer Laduma. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  11. "SA Starlet Turns Down Serie A". Soccer Laduma. 24 August 2016. Retrieved 26 October 2016.
  12. Smith, Kyle (10 April 2017). "Singh: He's The Coach, The Boss Of The Team". Soccer Laduma. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
  13. Crann, Joe (21 January 2017). "SA Starlet Lands Portuguese Deal". Soccer Laduma. Retrieved 22 January 2017.
  14. "Luther Singh scores first goal for Sporting Braga B". Kick Off. 16 February 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  15. 1 2 "Luther Singh: Bafana Bafana winger stars in Primeira Liga debut for Grupo Desportivo de Chaves". Kick Off. 4 January 2019. Retrieved 4 January 2019.
  16. Kohler, Lorenz (3 January 2019). "SC Braga winger Luther Singh agrees six-month loan deal to secure regular first-team football". Kick Off. Retrieved 3 January 2019.
  17. "SA Players Abroad wrap: Luther Singh and Lars Veldwijk amongst the goals". Kick Off. 14 January 2019. Retrieved 17 January 2019.
  18. Kohler, Lorenz (20 May 2019). "Players Abroad: Dino, May, Jordan score". Kick Off. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
  19. "Luther Singh reforça ataque do Moreirense" (Press release) (in Portuguese). Moreirense. 13 August 2019.
  20. "luther singh joins pacos de ferreira from sc braga on loan for 2020-21 season" (Press release). Kickoff.com. 18 August 2020.
  21. "FCK Henter Luther Singh" (Press release) (in Danish). F.C. København. 18 August 2021.
  22. "FC Copenhagen vs. SønderjyskE – 22 August 2021". int.soccerway.com. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  23. "FC Copenhagen vs. PAOK – 21 October 2021 –". int.soccerway.com. Retrieved 27 January 2022.
  24. Hoffskov, Ole (22 October 2021). "Jess Thorup skal have en snak med Luther Singh". Tipsbladet.dk (in Danish).
  25. Nielsen, Christian (17 October 2021). "Kommentator om FCK-indkøb: 'Ligner én der har spist 3 burgere, inden han kom på banen'". TV3 SPORT (in Danish).
  26. "Boilesen forsvarer udskældt FCK-indkøb: Voksenmobning". Berlingske.dk (in Danish). 24 October 2021.
  27. "Luther Singh indlagt". F.C. København (in Danish). 6 November 2021.
  28. Okstrøm, Oliver (12 November 2021). "Singh-agent: Burger-joke ramte ham mentalt". Tipsbladet.dk (in Danish).
  29. "Luther Singh loaned to GD Chaves". F.C. København. 24 August 2022. Archived from the original on 17 November 2022.
  30. "FCK AND LUTHER SINGH CANCEL THE AGREEMENTs". F.C. København. 1 September 2023.
  31. "Merciless Amajita Hammer Lesotho 8-0". Soccer Laduma. 7 December 2016. Retrieved 13 December 2016.
  32. "2016 COSAFA U20 Champs". COSAFA. Retrieved 15 December 2016.
  33. "New young star Luther Singh scored three goals as Amajita thumped Angola 5-0 to reach the 2016 COSAFA Under-20 Championships final". Kick Off. 14 December 2016. Retrieved 15 December 2016.
  34. 1 2 3 "Zambia edge Amajita to win Under-20 COSAFA Cup". SABC. 17 December 2016. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  35. "Top 10: African wonderkids in the world today". Goal. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  36. "Amajita's Three-Goal Hero Speaks". Soccer Laduma. 28 February 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  37. 1 2 3 "Awards and Statistics". CAF. 12 March 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  38. "Luther Singh eager to impress with Amajita at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in South Korea". Kick Off. 8 May 2017. Retrieved 10 May 2017.
  39. "Luther Singh admits he was not surprised by his first call-up to Bafana Bafana". Kick Off. 14 March 2017. Retrieved 25 March 2017.
  40. "Mahlambi, Singh start for Bafana". Supersport. 28 March 2017. Retrieved 30 March 2017.
  41. "Baxter names preliminary squad for 2018 COSAFA Cup". COSAFA. 3 May 2018. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  42. "On song Singh says making AFCON selection will be a dream come true". South African Broadcasting Channel. 5 June 2019. Retrieved 6 June 2019.
  43. Luther Singh at Soccerway
  44. 1 2 "Singh, Luther". National Football Teams. Retrieved 15 May 2018.
  45. "FC Copenhagen win 14th Danish league title". www.dailytimes.com.pk. Retrieved 22 May 2022.
  46. "Notoane announces the SA U-23 AFCON 2019 squad". November 2019.
  47. "South Africa U23 vs. Ghana U23 - 22 November 2019 - Soccerway".