SEDIBENG.- Siyabonga Mabena (16) is the latest young sensation to make his professional debut in the DStv Premiership Soccer League (PSL) recently.
This 16-year-old teenager came in as a substitute when the defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns beat Royal AM 5-1 at Loftus Versfeld Stadium on Tuesday night. It has been a while since South African football has experienced a 16-year-old making his debut in top-flight football. This has sparked debate among the supporters who claimed Mabena is not the first youngest player to make his debut in top-flight football.
Former Ajax Cape Town gifted midfielder Mkhayiseli Siwahla remains the youngest player to play and score in the PSL at the age of 15. However, it has been years now since a teenager has made a debut in PSL at that age with Mabena the latest but at the age of 16.
Mamelodi Sundowns coach Rhulani Mokwena compared Mabena to the late former Sundowns and Orlando Pirates gifted midfielder, Gift Leremi. Leremi was of the most talented players who made his presence felt in South African football. Speaking to the media after the match against Royal AM, Mokwena said Mabena reminds him of the late Leremi.
This former School of Excellence teenager netted nine goals at the COSAFA Cup last year and his promotion to the senior team was influenced by his performance at the national team. Mabena is destined for a great future if his PSL debut if anything is to go by.
“The boy is talented but we are not going to rush him or put him under unnecessary pressure, we are going to be patient to develop his game. What I like about him, despite his young age, is that he is level-headed and eager to learn,” said Mokwena.
