Mlungisi Mazibuko’s incredible PSL track record: Three promotions, one man
In the world of SA football, there are players whose names might not be on everyone’s lips, but their contributions to the beautiful game are invaluable. One such individual is Mlungisi Mazibuko, a goalkeeper who has quietly made a significant impact on the local football scene.
Born and bred in Pietermaritzburg, KwaZulu-Natal, on July 1, 1992, Mazibuko’s journey in football began at a young age. Taking football as his religion, he honed his skills and developed a deep passion for the sport. He was nurtured in the ranks of Maritzburg United, where he laid the foundation for his future success as a shot-stopper.
Mazibuko’s hard work and dedication eventually paid off when he made his mark in the Maritzburg juniors, earning a well-deserved promotion to the senior team during the 2010/11 PSL season. His talent and determination did not go unnoticed, and he was soon making crucial saves for the Team of Choice at the highest level of South African football.
After three successful seasons with Maritzburg United, now known as Durban City FC, Mazibuko decided to take on new challenges, bidding farewell to the ‘Blue Army’ in July 2013 following his promotion to the first team.
MLUNGISI MAZIBUKO’S UNBELIEVABLE TRACK RECORD THAT EARNED TEAMS PSL STATUSES
Mazibuko went on the 2013/2014 season without a club until he joined a lower division side of Eastern Cape Mthatha Bucks, the first team he helped to gain promotion to the SA football’s professional ranks in 2015.
He did not stop there as the following year [2016], the goalminder helped yet another amateur side to secure a PSL status; this time around, he was with KZN outfit Real Kings, known as Royal AM these days.
From there on, Mazibuko signed for Chippa United in the 2019/2020 term, where he spent two seasons with the side in the SA top-flight.
With the lack of game time at the Chilli Boys, He left the Gqeberha-based side in the 2021/22 campaign to join Limpopo giants Black Leopards, who are competing in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. He stayed at Lidoda Duvha until August 2023.
In the 2023/24 season, Mazibuko was in the books of another Eastern Cape side [Highbury FC] in the third-tier league. He helped the team gain promotion to the Motsepe Foundation Championship for the current 2024/25 campaign.
Mazibuko played an integral part in Highbury’s success, having featured in all their games during SAFA‘s ABC Motsepe League National Playoffs held in Upington, Northern Cape most recently.
He managed to keep three clean sheets in four games for Highbury at the national playoffs.
MLUNGISI MAZIBUKO ON HIS SUCCESS
In an interview with FARPost recently, Mazibuko expressed his delight to have contributed to the promotions of three amateur teams in his football career.
“I’m so excited about gaining the promotion. I can tell you that this is my third time promoting a team from ABC Motsepe League to the National First Division,” said Mazibuko.
“The first team was Umthatha Bucks in 2015. The second team was Real Kings in 2016, and now Highbury FC in 2024. I’m really looking forward to the next season.”
MLUNGISI MAZIBUKO’S PLANS FOR THE NEW SEASON
Mazibuko is aiming to continue where he has left off when his side returns for the new campaign, as they aim to have a good start to avoid relegation.
“…We have been working so hard, and the decider took so long to be played,” he added. The new season is going to start anytime soon. The other thing for now is for us to try by all means to start in a good way because if you start well, obviously you won’t be fighting for relegation.
“We are going to take it one game at a time. We worked hard for this promotion, and we need to stay strong moving forward. The management has been helping us so much and we are looking forward to the new season.”
PSL recently confirmed that the 2024/25 Motsepe Foundation Championship season will kick off on the weekend of 23, 24, and 25 August 2024.
“The opening weekend will feature two matches on Friday, 23 August, including a highly anticipated clash between newly promoted Highbury FC and the Limpopo giants, Black Leopards. Saturday, 24 August, will see four matches played, with two more scheduled for Sunday, 25 August.
“The Motsepe Foundation Championship season is set to conclude on Saturday, 18 May 2025.”
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