TS Galaxy open door for Phakamani Mahlambi redemption

Mahlambi, now 28, last featured in the topflight for Chippa United three seasons ago before a career – once loaded with promise after stints at Al Ahly and Mamelodi Sundowns – stalled amid a series of off-the-field issues. 

Speaking ahead of Galaxy’s Betway Premiership clash against Golden Arrows on Sunday, Beganovic believes the winger still has something to offer. 

"We made the decision to take him to train with us because everybody deserves a second chance – I think the guy is a good human being," said Beganovic.

"I've watched some clips when he played before for Wits and Sundowns, he's an amazing player with amazing skills, and you know we also make the decision with the Chairman, who asked if we want to try to push him and bring him back in the business.

"And I think, like I said, he deserves a second chance and we are so happy to have an opportunity to maybe do that."

The coach says Mahlambi’s future now rests entirely in his own hands.

"Everything is on him – he needs to push, he needs to improve, and I think he wants to, from what I've seen in the last five training sessions, he tries and pushes himself," Beganovic added.

"But let's give him time to show, it's not easy and I know he fights everyday because in the one hand, you've had everything and played for the biggest club in Africa, not even in the country, and then you lose everything and you're at the bottom.

"Now it's not important how many times you fall down, it's a story of does he want to stand up and fight again for something that he actually deserve, that you've had and lost, that's what it's about."

READ: Riveiro opens up on brief, turbulent spell at Al Ahly