Mayambela hitting the right notes
SOUTH African soccer reject Mark Mayambela has defied the odds to become a hit, literally and figuratively, in Sweden.
Dazzled by his skills, Swedish fans are dancing to a tune composed in appreciation of his silky touches on the pitch.
The former Bloemfontein Celtic, Orlando Pirates and Mpumalanga Black Aces ball juggler has barely had time to familiarise himself with his surroundings since his move to the country that gave the world music supergroup Abba.
Swedish fans can’t stop raving about his talents.
‘‘I’ve been taken aback by their appreciation,” a surprised Mayambela told the Sunday Times from Sweden his week. ‘‘The song clearly shows how much they appreciate me.”
Djurgardens IF fans are seen on YouTube chanting his name as they sing the song at their matches. He said Sweden is small and sportsmen are easily recognised in the streets.
Impressed by his breathtaking skills and his ability to control the ball, Djurgardens IF coach Per Olsson decided to push him upfield and converted Mayambela from a midfielder into a striker.
The player said he adapted immediately to his new role and is enjoying himself in a league that does not have too many players blessed with the dribbling skills he possesses in abundance.
‘‘If I had things my way, I would recommend players like Orlando Pirates forward Tlou Segolela and Bongani Ndulula of AmaZulu to some of the teams here. They could easily adjust to the type of soccer here because of their style of play. They prefer pacey players who are light on their legs and who want to go forward.”
Djurgardens lost key strikers to injuries and the coach identified Mayambela as a potential forward.
The player, who was not given a chance by a lowly placed team like Moroka Swallows, has played five games and created most of the team’s goals.
His circumstances seem a lifetime away from the days when his career seemed to be stuttering towards a premature conclusion.
He parted with Aces only months ago after he arrived at training allegedly under the influence of alcohol.
Many thought the allegations would put paid to his career as South African clubs were not tripping over themselves to employ him.
But he has surprisingly resurrected his career when no one expected him to and he said this week he was having the time of his life.
‘‘I have no difficulty in slicing through defences and creating chances. South African football is more about pace and skill. In Sweden they play direct soccer with little frills.
‘‘The PSL and Swedish football are two different styles that cannot be compared. Hockey is the No 1 sport here and soccer comes second. The unpredictable weather was quite a challenge for me when I first arrived here. It snows and rains a lot and there are rare moments when there is sunshine.”
Mayambela suffered a knee injury last Sunday but said he has recovered and should be available for selection this week.