Mazhamba targets further growth after COSAFA Cup success and Afcon chance

Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba believes his experience with South Africa Under-20s at the junior COSAFA Cup, followed by involvement in the Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon), will help accelerate his development.

The 19-year-old played a central role as Amajita retained the COSAFA title by beating Mozambique 2-1 in Sunday’s final. Mazhamba conceded only three goals in five matches and was named the tournament’s best goalkeeper.

His progress comes as he waits for further opportunities at club level. Mazhamba made history last season when he became the youngest goalkeeper to represent Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League era, after making his first-team debut against Chippa United.

“These games … help me in terms of player profile and in terms of international football and in terms of getting experience,” Mazhamba said.

South Africa will now prepare to defend their Afcon title in Ghana early next year. Mazhamba said the success of the previous side, which won the competition in Egypt last year, had shown that retaining the trophy was achievable.

“It is very important [to defend it] because the last team did it [won it] and it shows us that it is also possible; we need to go to Ghana and do it,” he said.

Mazhamba was part of the previous squad but did not play. This time, he started all five matches and returned home with the trophy.

“I was there with the previous team but didn’t play, but now I played all five games. It is a blessing to me because last time we went there, Fletcher Hani Smythe-Lowe was playing, and I was supporting him. Now I had my chance and I did very well, and we came back with the trophy.”

Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder Steven Mendes also made a significant contribution to the tournament, although his role was not the one he had expected. He was deployed as a striker and finished as the competition’s leading scorer with six goals.

Mendes admitted the change in position initially caught him off guard, but said he adapted quickly to meet the team’s needs.

“Yeah, even for me it was a bit of a surprise playing striker, but I had to adapt quickly, making sure I provided for the team, in which I scored goals. That’s the strikers’ job and I think I did that well,” Mendes said.

The COSAFA Cup was Mendes’ first major tournament for the national team. He hopes his performance will lead to another opportunity when South Africa compete at the Afcon in Ghana.

“It is my first major competition for the national team; obviously it is a great feeling and hopefully I can experience that again at the Afcon.”