Mahlambi Credits Brother Phakamani For Inspirational

TS Galaxy forward Seluleko Mahlambi says his brother, Phakamani, made him believe it was possible to reach the professional level, despite the difficult background they both come from.

Phakamani, once regarded as one of South Africa’s brightest football talents, last played professional football in September 2021.

The older Mahlambi brother made his professional debut under Gavin Hunt at Bidvest Wits, where his impressive performances earned him a move to Al Ahly SC in Egypt.

However, after things didn’t go as planned in Cairo, Phakamani returned to South Africa to join Mamelodi Sundowns, who later loaned him to Chippa United during the 2021/22 season.

Unfortunately, the 28-year-old suffered an Achilles tendon injury that season, which effectively ended his career. That was the last time he was seen playing professional football.

In August, Hunt invited him for an assessment with newly promoted Durban City, but he was unable to make a lasting impression to earn a contract.

“Firstly, he is the person who made me believe that I can play football and reach the professional level, because where we come from, opportunities of making it are scarce,” said Mahlambi.

“Seeing his breakthrough from the situation we come from made me see that if I work hard, it can happen the way I want it to.

“I can say that with how things worked out for him, they changed for me to do better in my career.”

Mahlambi will be counted to cause chaos when Galaxy visit Golden Arrows in the Carling Knockout quarter finals at King Zwelithini Stadium on Sunday.