Collins Mbesuma speaks out on his most difficult PSL moment

Collins Mbesuma, a name synonymous with powerful striking and prolific goal-scoring in the PSL, has opened up about what he considers the most challenging period of his illustrious career in the PSL.

The legacy of Mbesuma in SA football is defined by his remarkable 2004/05 season with Kaizer Chiefs. He became a symbol of striking brilliance, driving the Amakhosi to a league title and setting a PSL record of 25 goals in a single season, a record that stands 20 years later.

This feat propelled him to the English Premier League with Portsmouth. Returning to the SA elite league, Mbesuma, after struggling abroad, he had stints at top clubs such as Orlando Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns before featuring for Golden Arrows, the now-defunct clubs like Mpumalanga Black Aces, Highlands Park FC, and Moroka Swallows.

The ex-Zambian international also played in the second-tier league in SA for the University of Pretoria [AmaTuks] and Pretoria Callies, solidifying his impact on the entire South African football landscape.

In life after football as a player, the 41-year-old decided to take the path of becoming a striker coach. The former striker started at Callies then moved to Sekhukhune United, and lastly went to Venda FC in the Motsepe Foundation Championship. 

MBESUMA SAYS THE DIFFICULT PERIOD FOR HIM WAS MOVING TO A LOWER-DIVISION LEAGUE

Mbesuma says the most difficult period for him was when he was making a transition from the top-flight league to the Motsepe Foundation Championship. In the SA second-tier league, the Zambian international played for AmaTuks and Pretoria Callies.

“As a footballer, you will always be faced with difficulties in your career. This involves injuries, lack of form, going all the way to personal issues,” Mbesuma told FARPost.

“I made a transition from PSL [top-flight] to playing in the lower division [Motsepe Foundation Championship]. For me, it was the most difficult period I experienced in the PSL.

“That league [second-tier] was so different than what I was used to, in terms of the environment, competition and style of play. Also, the training facilities were so different from where I was coming from. But as a professional footballer, I had to adjust and do my best on the field.”

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