Mtsweni insists winger remains focused and committed

TS Galaxy interim coach Esau Mtsweni has dismissed the notion that the decline in talismanic winger Seluleko Mahlambi’s form is linked to speculation about his future.

A few weeks ago, Galaxy chair Tim Sukazi confirmed on Metro FM that he turned down a R4m offer from Kaizer Chiefs for Mahlambi. The 22-year-old winger, who was in blistering form last season, has struggled to reach his peak this season, prompting many to believe the transfer talk has affected him.

Even so, Mtsweni has insisted Mahlambi still wants to play for Galaxy and has been in a good mental space amid the transfer talk. Mahlambi scored six goals and racked up six assists in as many games across all competitions last season. He has yet to find the back of the net or assist in eight games across all tournaments this season.

“He is focused, and he wants to be here. He’s always giving his best.” — Esau Mtsweni

“As far as I know, Mahlambi is okay. He is focused, and he wants to be here. He’s always giving his best,” Mtsweni said.

He didn’t want to be drawn into talks of offers for Mahlambi, insisting that what he knew was that the player’s mind was still at Galaxy.

“I spoke to him; he said he wants to be here until whatever happens will happen,” the Rockets caretaker mentor said.

Mahlambi’s loss of form has also seen Galaxy struggle, as he’s been one of the club’s heartbeats in recent times. The Rockets have won just one of their 10 games in all competitions thus far this season, with five defeats and four draws.

This poor form has left them just two points above the relegation zone. Galaxy’s next game is against Stellenbosch in the league away on November 27.