Mayambela never really left Chilli Boys
Star happy to be ‘back home’
New Chippa United signing Mark Mayambela, 29, has explained why he needed to rejoin the club.
“Professor” had a great time at Ajax last season with 24 appearances to his name, so it came as a surprise when he was linked with Chippa.
“We have a special bond. Going back to them was never a hard decision. It’s like going back home,” said Mayambela, who has penned a three-year deal at the Chilli Boys.
“Of course when I left there was some tension but we talked it out and he [chairman Siviwe Mpengesi] understood where I was coming from and the decision that I made.”
After the season he had at Ajax, Mayambela said he felt he deserved a new improved deal which never came.
“Well, when I went to Ajax they weren’t so keen on signing me until coach Roger [de Sa] pushed the chairman [Ari Efstathiou] to sign me.
“Ajax never anticipated the end result in terms of what I’ve done in the team. When I signed, it was a one-year contract with an option [for a further year] and it was like, if you don’t do well you won’t be offered a new contract. So there was no comfort.
“I played and I did well for them, but when the season ended I was never offered a new deal. Instead, they just took the option,” he said.
“I hope this is my last home. I hope I will play the next three years for Chippa and beyond. We will see how it goes,” he added.