MAYAMBELA
“WHY I HAD TO LEAVE CHIPPA”
SOON after the talented Mark Mayambela put pen to paper with SuperSport United, he talked to Ernest Fakude about the transfer that could finally launch the former Orlando Pirates benchwarmer into the big time. KICK OFF: Was it difficult to leave Chippa United? MAYAMBELA: Not really ... it was time to move on. But I thank them as they gave me a chance. Even though it was a short stay, it was fruitful. Playing for Chippa gave me the opportunity to regain my form. But SuperSport is a great club with a great structure, a great coach and good players. I believe this move will help me grow as a player, and I feel I have made a good decision. How did Chippa Mpengesi take the news that you wanted out? Of course it didn’t sit well with him, but he understands that players have ambitions … eventually I received his blessing to move on. Were there any other offers from Premiership teams? There were a few others, but nothing concrete. SuperSport United was the only team that showed great interest. You took a pay-cut when you left Royal Eagles for Chippa United. Was that because you wanted to play top-flight football? Of course! When you are an ambitious person and want to achieve something, you need to make sacrifices. I had to make that sacrifice and I don’t regret it. It helped me because SuperSport United were impressed by how I was playing at Chippa. Gordon Igesund is known for playing direct football. Do you think you will be able to adapt to his style of play? Of course I can adapt and adjust. Gordon knows what kind of player I am and that is why he brought me here. I believe he is going to play me to my strengths. I am a professional and I can adapt to any style of play and do what the coach wants me to do. Your play seems to have matured. Has that come with age? I think the challenges I have faced in life have helped me grow both as a player and as a person. I dont regret anything I have gone through, whether good or bad. I believe the experiences have prepared me for the future. I have always had responsibility at home as a bread-winner, but the birth of my son Luphiwo has also played a major part in my transformation. You played in Sweden after leaving Pirates, and just when everyone was thinking you were doing well, you decided to come home. Why? I faced some personal challenges in Sweden, and the injuries didn’t help. I was frustrated and decided to go home. Under the circumstances, returning was an ideal decision. Djurgarden fans composed a song about you … It was a great feeling! I had a short stay, but I made an impact. They still keep asking me when I am coming back. I am glad that my brother [Mihlali] is going there and hopefully he will receive the same reception. Aristide Bance told us you deserve to play in Europe ... Bance has played for many teams in Europe and to hear that from him is a great inspiration to keep working hard.