TS Galaxy midfielder Seluleko Mahlambi says his positive start to the 2025/26 season is built on being mentally prepared to step up to the highest level, despite the inevitable comparisons to his older brother, Phakamani Mahlambi.
The 21-year-old has been in fine form for the Rockets, scoring five goals in nine Betway Premiership appearances and adding a couple of assists, helping them navigate a challenging start to the season.
Operating under a Fifa-imposed transfer ban that limited squad options earlier in the season, Mahlambi quickly became a key player for coach Adnan Beganovic as the club worked to overcome early-season difficulties.
The midfielder was promoted from the Rockets’ DStv Diski Challenge side at the start of the season and has expressed his gratitude for the faith shown by his coach.
“It was not something I took to heart; when coming from the DDC, I was coming to train with the first team and on match days go back to the reserve team,” Mahlambi commented.
“When we got to the preseason, the coach showed faith in me from the games we played in before the season started and some friendlies. When the league started, he believed there was something I could contribute to the team’s cause.”
While his promotion came as a surprise for him, Mahlambi had long prepared himself for the comparisons with his older brother, a former Al Ahly player who also featured for Mamelodi Sundowns. Phakamani’s career was affected by disciplinary issues, and Seluleko is determined to build his own path.
“My father played a huge role in my development,” Seluleko said.
“He always told me that in the career path I am taking, it will still get hard, as there will be a lot of talk about my brother and the life he used to live, and the expectation could be that I can do more than him.
“It was something I had anticipated, and my father played a huge role in me blocking them and ensuring that I was working on building my own brand.”
The Galaxy midfielder says he is fully focused on his growth and, despite everything, still benefits from guidance from his 27-year-old brother, who has recently spent time with Gavin Hunt’s Durban City on trials, looking to revive his career.
“He is someone that still gives me advice not to be all over the place and the importance of always behaving well. He gave me a lot of lessons from the mistakes he has made so that I do not go down the same path.
“At the end he is still family, and the things that happened and what has been said will affect me, but I am not paying attention to those things because I still need to ensure that I build my career and just use those mistakes as motivation for me to do better.”
The Rockets were eliminated from the Carling Knockout following a narrow 2-1 defeat to Golden Arrows, and Mahlambi will now be aiming to build on his impressive season when Galaxy looks to return to winning ways against Stellenbosch FC in the Betway Premiership at the Mbombela Stadium this weekend.
