Cardoso urges Bafana Bafana defender not to make the 'mistake' of joining Orlando Pirates or Kaizer Chiefs amid Ligue 1 side OGC Nice transfer rumours

Sekhukhune United defender Vuyo Letlapa has reportedly attracted the interest of French Ligue 1 side OGC Nice.

This follows his debut top-flight league season in which he featured in 24 Premier Soccer League games for Babika Noko.

Letlapa's Sekhukhune teammate Daniel Cardoso has told the 21-year-old to seriously consider a move to Europe and not pay much attention to local offers like from Kaizer Chiefs, Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns.

“Letlapa is solid,” Cardoso told Sowetan Live. 

“He goes up and down in that left-back position. I think he has done well for us. He was given a chance and I think he stepped up big time. You could see how crucial he was for us the whole season. 

"I would have wanted him to stay with us, but I think in Europe he will grow more, especially if he goes to France with these Nice rumours now.

“The boy is talented and he’s still young, I think he’s ready to make his mark in Europe now. A lot of our youngsters in SA make mistakes by staying here to eventually go to Sundowns, Pirates or Chiefs," added the former Amakhosi defender. 

"They need to see the big picture, where getting to Europe as early as you can should be a priority for any youngster. 

“Yes, the football in South Africa is of a good standard, but in Europe you can achieve more greatness and once you come towards the end of your career, you can come back to join one of the big three, having already achieved things in Europe.”

Letlapa's rise has been rapid and for someone who only started PSL football straight from third-tier side Jomo Cosmos, he has shown some strong character.

His progress also saw him being part of the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2025 Cosafa Cup and is knocking on the door of Hugo Broos.

This is a player who might now be pushing to further improve himself and earn a chance of going to the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations finals.

There is a possibility that Letlapa might leave Sekhukhune before the start of next season.

But it is to be seen whether he would make an overseas move or join local clubs, as big clubs Chiefs, Pirates and Sundowns are all searching for a left-back.