Ayanda Patosi Esteghlal

Kickoff - Bafana Bafana playmaker Ayanda Patosi has enjoyed a blistering start to life with two-time AFC Champions League winners Esteghlal, a club statistically ranked as a step above the giants of the Absa Premiership.

Patosi, 26, completed a shock move to Iran with Esteghlal FC in the January transfer window from Cape Town City on a six-month loan with an option for purchase at the end of the season.

The 12-time capped South Africa international was prized away from Benni McCarthy's side with a R5 million ($360.000) loan fee and an additional R10m ($721.000) agreed for the end of the season - if made permanent.

With the reported R4m sign-on fee with a reported R474,000 after tax-free salary, as per The Sowetan - there have been suggestions his switch was financially driven and not for sporting reasons.

However, according to Football Database, the side which the former Lokoren playmaker has scored two goals with and registered an assist in two games with - is ranked above the likes of Orlando Pirates, Mamelodi Sundowns, Kaizer Chiefs, Bidvest Wits and SuperSport United.

The Pride of Asia, who have won 34 trophies in their 73-year history, are Iran's most decorated and successful club and are ranked 14th in Asia and 218th in the world, according to the website.

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Meanwhile, South Africa's number-one-ranked side Sundowns, who are ranked 12th in Africa, are 39 spots lower than Patosi's new club, as 257th in the world.

Amakhosi and the Buccaneers' world club football rankings currently stand at 360th and 368th respectively.

Esteghlal are currently in fourth place in the division after 19 games, four points off league leaders Sepahan S.C.

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