A fortnight ago, while chatting with a friend, the name Phakamani Mahlambi popped up. My friend had recently met both the former Mamelodi Sundowns forward Mahlambi and his former Transnet School of Excellence teammate Sibongakonke Mbatha. While the encounter was initially intriguing, it was Mahlambi, the Bidvest Wits prodigy, who truly captured my imagination.
Eager to meet ‘Phaka’, I readily offered to join the next gathering. Anticipation crackled in the air as we set the date for our next ‘meeting’ – Monday, December 4th.
Though we missed Mahlambi by a hair, arriving just after he’d departed to fetch his children, we still enjoyed a good football chat with his close friend, Mbatha, a former South African youth international. As we conversed, I couldn’t help but ask Mbatha to extend an invitation to Phakamani, hopeful for a future meeting.
Excitement pulsed through me as our initial conversation culminated in a confirmed meeting the following day at 2PM. Arriving at his estate nestled within a quaint East Rand town, where Mahlambi shares a home with his partner and children, a slight hurdle emerged as our initial attempts to reach him via mobile phone proved unsuccessful.
Relief washed over us as the kind security guard granted us entry through the gate. However, our hopes were dashed upon reaching his main door – persistent knocking met only with the deafening silence of an empty house.
As we turned, retracing our steps towards the car, a sight caught our eye –Mahlambi, hand-in-hand with his longtime sweetheart, emerged from the picturesque poolside scene. With a towel draped casually around his neck, he exuded an air of relaxed contentment after a dip in the cool.
PHAKAMANI MAHLAMBI COMMENTS ON BOOZE CLAIM BY GAVIN HUNT
Our conversation began with a light exchange of pleasantries, a facade for the elephant in the room – Mahlambi’s stalled career. And, of course, the R45 000 Gavin Hunt alleges Mahlambi blew on booze with friends.
“Ha ha ha, Coach Gavin and I spoke about the whole R45 000 thing. He’s my father, that one. We’re okay. I’m not too sure why he said what he said, but it’s impossible that I would spend R45,000 on alcohol. I suppose he was just stressing his point. Funny enough, I’ve never even been to the place he mentions. Not even once,” the 26-year-old tells FARPost.
The 2016/17 PSL Young Player of the Season continues: “One thing about me if I’ve done something, I’ll never deny it. I am responsible for the mistakes I’ve made. I’ve never denied the COSAFA Cup camp incident [of 2019].
“At the time that incident happened, I’d been involved in a series of accidents. So, two weeks prior to the COSAFA Cup, my mother indicated to the selectors that I would not be available.
“We had a ceremony planned at home, and it was directly for me at the advice of my elders. So, on the day camp was starting, I was so sure I’d be exempted. “After the ceremony, we took some alcohol with the family, only to get a call that I needed to be in camp.
“Wanting to honour the call-up, I hesitantly agreed to go. That’s how I ended up in camp in that state.”
A LIFELINE THROUGH LIFE’S CHALLENGES
Seeing Mahlambi’s willingness to talk, I requested a proper sit-down interview, which he agreed to, jokingly saying we could blow another R45,000 over breakfast later in the week. So, on a crisp Friday morning, I found myself in a small city on the East Rand, anticipating this meeting with a figure who was once touted as ‘the next Benni McCarthy’.
Mahlambi, the prodigal son of South African football, awaited me at this beautiful restaurant at 9AM sharp, a shadow of the electrifying winger who once graced the pitch with his dazzling footwork and audacious runs.
“Good morning, my brother,” said the lad from Louwsburg in KwaZulu-Natal. “I’m here early. I’ve just come from dropping the kids off at school. I really love my kids and want to be present in their lives.”
Gazing at his children’s faces, he says, has become his lifeline through a challenging phase of his life. Their innocent eyes and infectious laughter have kept him grounded in the present and reminded him of the beauty that still existed in the world.
“Leaving football has offered me much-needed clarity and perspective,” he explains. Sounds like stepping back to spend quality time with his loved ones has nurtured his soul, while quiet introspection has allowed him to chart a new course for his future.
But truth be told, the days of the dazzling displays for Bidvest Wits, the promising move to Al Ahly, and the expectations of leading Bafana Bafana to glory are gone. Instead, a sense of resignation seems to hang over the 26-year-old, a stark contrast to the vibrant talent who once captivated fans and pundits alike.
THE FLICKER OF HOPE
Yet, amidst the self-reflection, there is a flicker of hope. Mahlambi spoke of his unwavering passion for the game, his dedication to regain his fitness, and his desire to grace the field once again. He elaborated on his efforts to bounce back strong through individual training, even though a club contract remained elusive.
“The fire still burns inside me,” he confessed, his voice gaining a hint of its former vibrancy. “I know I haven’t lived up to my potential, but I’m determined to prove myself again. I want to show everyone that the real Phakamani Mahlambi is still here, eager for his chance.” According to Transfermarkt, he has 19 goals and 16 assists in 99 outings for Bidvest Wits, Al Ahly, Sundowns, AmaZulu and Chippa United.
His words resonated with a sense of defiance, a refusal to succumb to the label of “forgotten star.” He acknowledged the long road ahead and the need to overcome the doubts and criticisms that swirl around him. But within him, a glimmer of belief remains and a yearning to rewrite his narrative.
“We have a gym and trainers in the estate. I go there to try to keep fit,” Mahlambi said.
As our conversation drew to a close, I couldn’t help but feel a sense of empathy for this fallen star. While his future remains uncertain, his unwavering passion for the game served as a testament to the enduring spirit of a young man who still dares to dream.
Whether Mahlambi ever reaches the heights once predicted for him remains to be seen. But one thing is clear: the “Forgotten Star” story is far from over. It is a story of redemption, of overcoming adversity and of proving that even the faintest spark can ignite a comeback for the ages. Only time will tell if this forgotten flame will flicker back to life, illuminating the path towards a triumphant return.
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