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GREAT EXPECTATIONS: Luis Boa Morte was this week unveiled by Orlando Pirates chairman Irvin Khoza as the new signing . Picture by Sydney Seshibedi

 It is fair to say he left the English Premiership with a mixed reputation 

It is already hoped that Boa Morte, the Portuguese who joined Orlando Pirates this week, would be followed to these shores by some of the veterans, looking to bask under the African sun.

Not that the majority of highly paid and celebrated stars would ditch their popular MLS destination in the US for the PSL.

But as PSL chairman Irvin Khoza enthused when he announced Boa Morte this week, the PSL is being shaped into a league of choice, worthy of a place among some of the world's top leagues.

And the acquisition of Morte has naturally gone some way towards lifting the profile of the PSL as one of the growing football brands around the globe.

Many, though, would be forgiven for concluding that the former Arsenal and West Ham winger is purely a "brand marketer", as very little has been mentioned of his quality as a footballer.

The over-arching question, which has so far been largely overlooked, should perhaps be: could Morte still perform at the highest level?

As he has certainly reiterated, Morte, who was born to Sao Tome parents in Portugal, is not here for a quick-buck or the handy pension fund.

It is, however, fair to say he left the English Premiership with a mixed reputation.

Although he was part of the squad that won the double of the Premiership league and FA Cup in Arsene Wenger's first season, Boa Morte never really lived up to expectations.

He then transferred to Southampton, but his face didn't fit in, making only three appearances when Glenn Hoddle replaced Dave Jones, but it was the move to Fulham that was his big success.

He was terrific as Fulham gained promotion to the Premiership under Jean Tigana.

However, he was less of a success at West Ham where he was mostly blamed for most defeats in which he appeared since joining in June 2010 under Avram Grant.

His contract with West Ham was cancelled and most fans were not heartbroken to see him leave at the beginning of the season.

He regained his appetite for football at Greek side Larissa, but left before he could help the side back to top flight football, mainly due to financial disagreements.