Adnan Beganovic talks about the situation of player Phakamani Mahlambi!

Adnan Beganovic talks about the situation of player Phakamani Mahlambi!

TS Galaxy coach Adnan Beganovic has opened up about the club's ongoing trial of free-agent winger Phakamani Mahlambi, emphasizing a supportive environment for the player's potential comeback.

Mahlambi, whose career has been hampered by personal challenges away from the pitch, has been a free agent since his loan spell at Chippa United concluded in July 2022. Previously, he featured for clubs including Mamelodi Sundowns, Al Ahly, and Bidvest Wits.

Coach Beganovic revealed that the 28-year-old has been training with the Rockets for a week, with a view to a contract for the upcoming 2025/26 campaign. He stressed that the club is fully committed to aiding Mahlambi's journey back to professional football, but acknowledged that the ultimate responsibility lies with the player himself.

“I’ve said he is a beautiful human being, and I truly understand his journey,” Beganovic stated. “It’s amazing to see where he was in his career, and then to witness how everything can change. On one hand, you have everything; you're on top of the world, flying high with all you could wish for. Then, after a year or two, you can lose it all and find yourself starting from the bottom.”

The coach highlighted the club's philosophy as a key factor in offering Mahlambi this opportunity. “This situation is precisely why it's crucial to extend our help. We are that kind of club, with the full backing of our chairman and a supportive community around us. We lift each other up. He absolutely deserves a second chance, and we are here to support him in his attempt to return to the top.”

However, Beganovic was clear that the path to redemption requires significant personal effort from Mahlambi. “But let me be clear, everything is on him; he needs to show attitude, quality, desire, and the will to come back to the top.”

Managing expectations, the coach cautioned that the process will be a gradual one. “We know it’s a difficult process, and we can’t expect him to come back on top quickly because he’s still working on his physical condition since he has been on the sidelines for quite some time. But I believe that, step by step, we can help him get there. Ultimately, it’s up to him to accept that he needs to push himself to get to his best form.”