Mahlambi: 'I didn't fail in Egypt'

by Bertin Basson

Friday Sep 21, 2018. 13:00

Mamelodi Sundowns forward Phakamani Mahlambi is adamant that he didn't fail in Egypt despite his ill-fated spell at Al Ahly.

The 21-year-old returned to South Africa last month following 12 months in Cairo with the eight-time Caf Champions League champions, who he joined from Bidvest Wits last year.

Having failed to break into the Al Ahly starting 11, Mahlambi grew frustrated and duly earned a move back to the Absa Premiership with the defending champions who forked out a reported R13,2-million to land the forward.

“I don't think I failed [in Egypt]," Mahlambi told KickOff.com. "Obviously people will have different opinions of I failed or what.

“But from my side, my coming back was to start all over again and prepare for a new chapter that will take me to another level.

"Because when I was there everything was good, but I think it was time for me to come back and get the game time and return to the performance I was at when I left the country.”

Mahlambi made an immediate impact for the Brazilians, scoring on debut in a 3-3 draw against AmaZulu last weekend before a rather uneventful evening as Sundowns edged Golden Arrows 1-0 in midweek.