Modest Mark says his brother’s better

Mark Mayambela enjoys an adulation which is somehow unprecedented in local football, as fans across teams enjoy his silky skills. What he enjoys most, however, is praise from his younger brother Mihlali, who he believes is better than him.

When asked about Mihlali, Mark just can’t help but let out a smile. “Oh, Mihlali! He is doing well. Things are going very well for him in Sweden. I am his number one supporter. I think he is a better version of me and I like that,” he answered when asked about his 21-year-old little brother.

Mihlali has spent three years in Sweden where he signed for Djurgardens but has spent the past two seasons on loan at IK Brage where he has played almost 30 games. It is however surprising that Mihlali has not been called up for national duty for either the Under-20s or Under-23s.

“From a personal point of view and having talked to him I think he is ready (for call-ups) but that depends on whether the coaches want him. It is also up to him to raise his hand and say I am available and ready. But I am not too worried about it. My main worry is for him to enjoy his game and work hard,” said Mayambela.

The Chippa United captain is one of the players who spent a few years overseas before coming back to the country and he has an idea why this happens so often.

“I don’t know how it works with other players but if you have played for the big clubs here like Kaizer Chiefs, Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates and you go overseas to a lesser-hyped league like in Belgium or Sweden you feel the difference with the way things are done. That is why maybe the players come back. But if they were to move to a big league like England and Spain, they would be less likely to come back.

“If you look at someone like (Thulani) Serero who moved there from a “small club” he has stayed there for so long,” he said.

Mayambela feels it is time the Chilli Boys also make their mark in the Absa Premiership by drawing inspiration from the achievements of Free State Stars and Maritzburg United, who were among the top teams last season.

“We can draw inspiration from Stars. We have to take a leaf out of their book. We are at the same level as Stars and Maritzburg in terms of resources and status. We are envious of their achievements and we will also try and win some silverware because it would be great for this team.

“It is still early to make pronouncements on targets. But of course as a footballer and an ambitious person you’d want to do well in all competitions. It is the same at Chippa.”

The Chilli Boys have brought back Dan Malisela as coach for next season and Mayambela hailed the move as he feels the 53-year-old mentor understands the team.

“The team made a lot of changes – some players left and others came in. The players we signed are hungry for success. And we have a great coach in Bra Dan. He understands the players and South African football so it was easier to adapt.

“He is a great coach and he believes in us as players and how he wants the team to play. He hasn’t changed, he has the same philosophy. He is a coach who wants the team to play beautiful football. We will try to do that,” he said.