Mamelodi Sundowns FC coach Manqoba Mngqithi has revealed that they are happy for Siyabonga Mabena to be named among the 60 best young players in the world, alongside Lamine Yamal of Barcelona. 

The 17-year-old Mabena made his first team debut under coach Rulani Mokwena in their 5-1 win against Royal AM FC in March 2023. Since he made his debut, this young player has played at least 17 games for the Brazilians, scoring just one goal against Stellenbosch FC last season.

This young player was part of the U20 South African football national team that participated and won the COSAFA U20 Championship recently. 

Following their victory in the COSAFA U20, Mabena and Amajita qualified for the U20 Africa Cup of Nations 2025. With the Brazilians, Mabena has managed to win two league titles and also the African Football League. Mngqithi said that it is very exciting for this young player to receive international recognition, and he is still gonna help them a lot in the club. 

“That is very exciting [for Mabena to receive international recognition],” Mngqithi said when he was asked by Sportswire in the post-match press conference after their 5-0 victory against Golden Arrows FC in the Carling Knockout Last 16. 

“Even when you don’t see him in a match like this one it is not because we don’t see the capacity. “We ask ourselves and we have to make these choices whether we want him to come and play 15 minutes or the 20 minutes in this match when he could start in a DDC match and have 80-something minutes. 

 “It’s important for his development but I think as this season progresses and the minutes that they are getting even [Tapelo] Maseko got some good minutes in the DDC today [Saturday],” the Umzimkhulu-born tactician continued. “Mabena is a very talented football player, and we know his quality and we believe he’s still gonna come in and help us a lot. His attitude and commitment towards his work has also been very good.” 

Mabena and his team Sundowns will face the KZN-based side Royal AM FC at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Wednesday. 

This will be an interesting game for Mabena considering that he made his professional debut against Royal AM FC last year.

Article by Gabriel Hlakanyana