Jessica Williams Reveals What South African Players Need to Secure More Overseas Deals

• Jessica Williams’ FC Copenhagen move has put fresh focus on the path South African players can take to clubs abroad
• The South African goalkeeper has opened up about her breakthrough in Denmark and what the move has taught her
• Williams believes her journey could offer valuable lessons for other local players chasing international opportunities

South African players could improve their chances of earning professional contracts abroad if their performances were better documented, according to FC Copenhagen goalkeeper Jessica Williams.

The 26-year-old recently joined the Danish club and believes a lack of detailed player data can make it harder for international teams to identify African talent.

Speaking to SABC Sport on 8 September 2026, Williams explained what clubs want to see.

“If you’re a goalkeeper, they need to know your record - how many goals you have saved, how many games you have played and what your impact has been throughout the season,” she said.

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“International clubs will demand that data, and that is where a lot of African players fall short.”

Jessica Williams targets growth in Denmark

Williams also believes access to professional facilities can help her take another step in her career.

“I want to win trophies, I want to climb the ladder on the log,” she said.

She added that her background had pushed her to aim higher and make full use of FC Copenhagen's resources.

South African goalkeeper makes history

Williams became the first South African goalkeeper to play in Denmark, fulfilling an ambition she developed after taking up the position at 17.

“I always knew that I wanted to be one of the first South African goalkeepers to play abroad,” she said.

She believes more players can follow, but stressed the importance of discipline and versatility.

“I think it is possible to see more South African goalkeepers signing professional deals and to dream and believe that dream will become a reality.”

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Player data could shape South Africa’s overseas football pipeline

Briefly News previously reported that former USA head coach Gregg Berhalter believes the PSL could become a major talent pipeline for Major League Soccer (MLS), with South African players attracting increased attention from American clubs.

Berhalter highlighted the PSL's quality and the availability of player data as factors that can help clubs identify talent. That data-driven approach also features in Jessica Williams’ own argument about what could help more South African players attract overseas opportunities.

Source: Briefly News