PSL Comeback Watch: Mahlambi Spotted Training with TS Galaxy
Former Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly attacker Phakamani Mahlambi has resurfaced in the Premier Soccer League after being spotted training with TS Galaxy on Thursday – raising hopes of a remarkable return for a player once tipped to dominate African football.
Now 28, Mahlambi burst through the ranks at the old Bidvest Wits under Gavin Hunt, earning a blockbuster move to Egyptian giants Al Ahly in 2017. But the fairytale never fully materialised. Limited game time in Cairo led to a move back home with Sundowns, where he again struggled to break into a star-studded squad. A series of loan spells at AmaZulu and Chippa United followed before his career hit a lengthy pause after the 2021/22 campaign.
Despite a brief training stint at Durban City earlier this season, no deal materialised – until Galaxy extended a fresh opportunity.
A second chance… and a family reunion?
Mahlambi is currently training alongside his younger brother Seluleko, who has enjoyed an impressive season for The Rockets with six goals and two assists. The club’s hierarchy, including chairman Tim Sukazi, has now opened the door for the older sibling to attempt a comeback.
Galaxy coach Adnan Beganovic confirmed the former Wits prodigy has joined the squad on a trial basis and has already clocked several sessions.
“Everybody deserves a chance. He’s a good human being and an amazing player with real quality,” Beganovic told Sowetan.
“We agreed with the chairman to bring him in and try push him back into the game. I’m happy to have the opportunity to help him.”
Beganovic praised Mahlambi’s commitment during training, saying the winger has shown urgency and hunger to revive his career.
From the top of Africa… to starting over
Mahlambi’s story remains one of South African football’s great “what-ifs”. He played for the biggest club on the continent in Al Ahly, won admirers at Sundowns, and represented South Africa at U20 and U23 level. Yet off-field issues and inconsistency derailed his rise.
Now, according to Beganovic, the rest is up to the player:
“Everything is on him. He needs to push and improve. He’s trying hard in every session.
It’s not about how many times you fall – it’s about whether you stand up and fight again.”
Galaxy to decide soon
With Galaxy preparing for their Betway Premiership clash against Golden Arrows, the club will now monitor Mahlambi closely before making a final call. A successful trial would mark a dramatic return to the PSL and potentially set up a emotional reunion on the pitch between the Mahlambi brothers.
For now, Mahlambi has one more shot – and TS Galaxy have given him the platform. Whether he grabs it may define the rest of his football journey.