TS Galaxy ends Phakamani Mahlambi trial, offers advice for comeback

Mahlambi, once a promising talent at Mamelodi Sundowns and Al Ahly, has been attempting a career revival since November 2025 after years of inactivity. His last competitive appearance came in September 2021 with Chippa United, with injuries and off-field challenges hampering his career progress.

Galaxy had hoped to offer him a lifeline, particularly as the club searches for a replacement for Puso Dithejane on the right wing. Mahlambi also received support from his younger brother Seluleko, a key performer for the Rockets, who has been helping him regain match fitness and confidence.

Beganovic explained that while the club values second chances, professional standards in the PSL demand players be at peak performance.

"We gave him time, one, two, three months, to see if he could recover and reach the required level," said the Bosnian coach.

"We monitored his training, GPS data, and friendly matches. Unfortunately, it became clear he wasn't ready for the intensity of the PSL."

The coach emphasized that the decision was not about effort or character but about timing and readiness.

"We don't have a year to gradually bring a player up. In our analysis, it's difficult for him to reach the level we need for our team now," Beganovic said.

He offered guidance for Mahlambi's next steps, suggesting he rebuild his career in lower divisions before attempting a return to the PSL.

"He needs game time to regain confidence. One or two years of consistent matches in the second or third division could prepare him for the top level again," Beganovic advised.

Meanwhile, Beganovic will be hoping to see his Galaxy charges progress to the next round of the Nedbank Cup when they host Marumo Gallants Marumo Gallants at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium on Sunday.