Bafana winger Mihlali Mayambela reveals why he almost quit football

Bafana Bafana winger Mihlali Mayambela has revealed why he almost quit playing football at a young age.

The 26-year-old footballer is part of Hugo Broos‘ 23-man squad set to face Liberia in the CAF AFCON qualifiers. 

South Africa will take on the West African side in a crucial two-legged clash. The first leg will be played in South Africa. 

The first leg will take place at Orlando Stadium on Friday, 24 March. The kick-off will start at 18:00.  

Broos’ charges will then jet off to Liberia for the second leg set to take place on Tuesday, 28 March 2023.

The talented player made his debut for the national team last year September. His debut was against Sierra Leone, where he found the back of the net.

Mayambela has been playing overseas for the last eight years. 

The Aris Limassol man was constantly frustrated about being compared to his brother Mark Mayambela. This is something that led him to move abroad at the age of 18.

MIHLALI MAYAMBELA REVEALS HIS COMPARISON FRUSTRATIONS

“It was hard in the beginning because I was compared to my brother Mark all the time,” the highly motivated Bafana star told Bafana Bafana media officer Romy Titus.

“I almost stopped playing football. I left South Africa at 18, daring to be different. And to be my own man, my own player, and for the comparison to stop. 

“And it worked, luckily for me.”

MIHLALI MAYAMBELA RECALLS HIS DEBUT FOR BAFANA BAFANA 

Mayambela recalled how he felt when he first received his Bafana first call-up. After so many years he has spent abroad. 

“It was a great feeling. I know I was in denial. I only really believed it when I got the nod and saw it on the television. And that made it real for me,” he added. 

“My family drove from Cape Town to see my game. My son was in the stands, and that moment will stand out forever. 

“One day, I want to show him that game and how much I hold onto it. I would encourage him to go for his dreams as I did mine. If he wants to follow in my footsteps and play football, that’s okay too.” 

Mayambela has set his sight to make it into Broos’ starting eleven on Friday. 

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