My Dream Team
Former Orlando Pirates winger Mark Mayambela selects his best-ever XI from past teammates.
1 Goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa
Senzo Meyiwa is undoubtedly the best goalkeeper I have ever played with. In fact, he is one of the best goalkeepers this country has ever produced. We were together at Orlando Pirates and it’s so unfortunate that we can no longer witness his talent. He was at his peak when he passed on – he could have gone on and played overseas. When we were at Pirates, Benni McCarthy organised him an Iker Casillas jersey when Jose Mourinho was at Real Madrid and Senzo was so excited.
2 Right-back Cecil Lolo
Cecil Lolo was my childhood friend, we played together at amateur level and we went together to Hellenic for Under-12 trials. He was one of the best and a smart guy who was playing his best football when he passed on. He won the MTN8 and the Last man standing award. A solid and reliable teammate.
3 Left-back Ditheko Mototo
I was with Ditheko at Bloemfontein Celtic and he was a top guy and a great footballer overall. He was a great leader and someone who made sure I was grounded when things were happening in my life. He would call me to order when I went off rails.
4 Centre-back Robyn Johannes
Robyn Johannes, who I played with at Orlando Pirates, is still a top defender. Technically he can play from the back. I remember this one time when we were playing a friendly match – as opponents were counter-pressing, Robyn and Siyabonga Sangweni were playing quick one-twos inside our own box. They were so confident and as an attacking player I used to admire them.
5 Centre-back Siyabonga Sangweni
Siyabonga and Robyn at Orlando Pirates were just a marvel to watch. Siya was a top defender and also enjoyed playing from the back – he was a rare-breed and someone I had had great times with at Pirates.
6 Central midfielder Andile Jali
Andile bosses the midfield like no one I have ever seen in this country. I still believe there is no player that competes with him in that position. He is good in both phases of the game, defending or attacking. He brings confidence, energy and good arrogance. He is feared by opponents and you can see how he plays at Mamelodi Sundowns.
7 Right-wing Andile Mbenyane
My former Chippa United teammate Andile is one of the most underrated players in South Africa. He is a top talent and I’ve seen at training what he is capable of doing. He is a reliable player.
8 Playmaker Teko Modise
Teko is one of the best players in South
Africa. Given a chance he could have played in any league in the world. He was an Iniesta or Xavi type of a player – he could also play in either wing, something that made him unique. He was a top midfielder.
9 Forward Katlego Mashego
Mashego was underrated … he was one of the top finishers in the country. He could play both as a targetman striker and in the number 10 position just behind. There are few players who could do what did – he was a top striker.
10 Playmaker Mpho Makola
When I was at Bloemfontein Celtic,
Makola came down for trials and I could see then that he was a great player. But unfortunately, things were tough then and he didn’t make it. But he is a good player, he is good at free-kicks – a dead ball specialist. And he brings a lot of energy to the team, he is a great leader and a good teammate in the dressingroom.
11 Left-wing Mihlali Mayambela
I have to put my brother Mihlali of course! He is one of the best young talents. He has capabilities to become a great player now that he is at a right place at Academica in Portugal. He has the right personality and mentality to become one of the best. I wish he can reach the same level as the likes of Benni McCarthy and Steven Pienaar.