Ndumiso Mabena’s former teammate at Bloemfontein Celtic, Aviwe Nyamende has explained how the attacker’s game has evolved since his first stint with Orlando Pirates.
Earlier this month, Pirates announced the comeback of striker Mabena, on a one and a half season deal along with wing back Craig Martin from Cape Town City.
Mabena previously enjoyed his first spell with the Soweto giants from 2009-2014, winning five trophies, including two Premiership titles.
In his first Pirates stint, Mabena was not a regular for the Sea Robbers as he made 71 appearances, scoring eight goals and providing four assists in five years.
But this time around, with the maturity and growth the 35-year-old has garnered, Nyamende is without a doubt that Pirates signed a different player than the one they had before.
NYAMENDE THOUGHTS ON NDUMISO MABENA’S EVOLUTION
“The Mabena that was at Pirates before was still young and the Mabena now has gained more experience. He has grown his game as well, ever since I have been playing with him at Celtic,” Nyamende told FARPost.
“He is a player that could bring a different dimension into the game.
“So of course, Pirates didn’t just sign Mabena, Pirates signed a player that has grown.
“A player that is totally different from the Mabena they had previously.”
Nyamende also strongly believes Mabena’s technical abilities has also grown over the years.
The defender went on to highlight how Mabena has improved as a player.
“So, the Mabena they have now is a different Mabena than the one they had before. And he has grown in terms of set pieces,” he added.
“Of course he is really good at set pieces number one.
“Number two, he is really experienced, and he is a leader as well on the field of play. So, the Mabena they got now back, is a really well matured Mabena.
“And of course, he can play as a striker top, he can play also as number 10, he can start combinations.”
“Previously, he was the Mabena that always came from the bench at Pirates and did not start games and he also did not get enough game time at the time.
“For him going away at Platinum Stars, he gained a lot of experience, he gained a lot of confidence as well.
“His game grew and changed, he became the best player that he is currently.”
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