Encouraging Progress for Mahlambi – Sportnow
Gavin Hunt, the head coach of Durban City, has provided encouraging news about Phakamani Mahlambi, who is currently under evaluation by the club.
Hunt confirmed last week that Mahlambi, a former Mamelodi Sundowns forward, has been training with the team. It’s noteworthy that Mahlambi hasn’t participated in a professional match since September 2021, following an Achilles tendon injury he sustained during his loan at Chippa United.
His last appearance was on 25 September 2021, in a match against Stellenbosch. Sundowns released him at the end of that season while he was still in recovery from his injury.
The Coach-Player Connection
Hunt is committed to revitalizing Mahlambi’s career, having originally given him his PSL debut with Bidvest Wits on 8 August 2015, when Mahlambi was just 17 years old.
He netted his first goal just three months later, contributing to a 4-0 triumph over Platinum Stars at Royal Bafokeng Stadium, which led Hunt to famously compare him to the legendary Benni McCarthy.
Their partnership yielded both a league title and the MTN8 championship during the 2016/17 season. That year, Mahlambi earned the Young Player of the Season accolade after netting six goals in 18 appearances, which led to a transfer to Egyptian powerhouses Al Ahly.
Hunt’s Perspective on Mahlambi’s Development
After City’s draw against Golden Arrows at Chatsworth Stadium on Tuesday, Hunt addressed Mahlambi’s progress.
“He will continue to train, right? You understand what I mean. Just remain active and keep practicing,” Hunt remarked. “If something arises, it arises. I’ve conveyed this to him, and he understands. There’s no issue. He has accepted it, and he’s advancing in getting fit, and that’s all he can do.”
Hunt’s decision to grant Mahlambi another chance has garnered widespread acclaim from football fans. The coach, a four-time league title winner, believes Mahlambi’s skills should not be overlooked, especially since he is still at just 28 years of age.
When asked about the encouraging signs in Mahlambi’s recovery, Hunt expressed his optimism.
“He has certainly progressed since his arrival,” Hunt confirmed. “There’s no doubt about that.”
During his stint with Gavin Hunt at Wits, Mahlambi scored 11 goals and provided 12 assists in 37 matches across all competitions, with many of these contributions emerging during the fruitful 2016/17 season.
