In a country with an abundance of raw talent, Johannesburg-born Phakamani Mahlambi stood out among many, making it his life's ambition to realise his football dream. Now 18, he is turning heads in his role as an attacking midfielder for Premier Soccer League team Bidvest Wits. Mahlambi tells Neil Greg of The Red Bulletin how the people closest to him have contributed to his success.
NG: Your father, John Zachariah Mahlambi, gave up his job to start a football team and coach you after witnessing your talent at the age of just nine. What did that mean to you?
PM: It meant so much. My father's actions gave me the platform to learn the game. I was with my father's team for about three years, then left after successful trials for the SAFA [South African Football Association] School Of Excellence in Gauteng. Today, both my parents are unemployed, half my salary goes to my family and I'm helping to build them a new home.
NG: Bidvest Wits coach Gavin Hunt also coached Benni McCarthy, and says that you're a better player at 18. How does that feel?
PM: I choose to stay humble when people give me praise, and just focus on training hard. The coach is working closely with me to improve my game. There's a long way to go, but where I come from…my background was a struggle, so that gives me my motivation.
NG: Your teammates describe you as fearless, and say that makes you extremely dangerous to defenders…
PM: I just don't like to be beaten. My aim is always to be on top and win. I play to be remembered, not admired.I choose to stay humble when people give me praise, and just focus on training hard.
NG: You played a key role in SA's Under-23a qualifying for the Olympics in Rio. But a cruel knee injury has ruled you out of the Games. How is your recovery going?
PM: It's going well. The doctors wanted to take some tendon from my hamstring to repair my knew, but my pace would have slowed if they'd done that. My brother, Mthobisi, stepped up and said "No, take mine". He is my hero, my twin, my everything.
*Find the full article in the July issue of The Red Bulletin, including more from Mahlambi on his journey to success.