The 25-year-old midfielder put pen to a deal with the Students last month following a frustrating season on the sidelines with now relegated Santos.

Pattison has also run out for the likes of Newcastle and Norwich during his career, but says if players are not in the English Premier League they will not be earning anything near to what players in South Africa make.

"People don't believe me but it is (now) better to come to SA financially," he told Business Day.

"That is the simple truth of it. To be honest, the UK is not as attractive as some people think.

"If you are not going to be playing in the English Premier League you will struggle big time. (English) clubs have overcompensated and they are struggling to keep up.

"Let me tell you now, SA is up there and really challenging a lot of European leagues when it comes to finances. SA can compete (with the best) which is really good for our football and the country."