Former South Africa youth international Sibongakonke Mbatha is set to make a comeback after a difficult spell in football’s wilderness.
The 25-year-old midfielder was once considered one of the brightest prospects in South African football, but his career has stalled in recent years.
Mbatha was a key player for the South Africa Under 20 team played at the FIFA World Cup, and he also made a handful of appearances for the senior team.
However, he has struggled to find regular game time at club level, and he has spent the past year on the sidelines.
Now, Mbatha is hoping to get his career back on track with a move to a new club in the Motsepe Foundation Championship.
“I’m just focused on getting back to playing regular football,” Mbatha told SN24. “I know I have the ability to play at a high level, and I’m confident that I can still achieve my goals in football.”
SIBONGAKONKE MBATHA’S ABILITIES
Mbatha is a talented midfielder with good passing skills and a keen eye for goal. He is also a hard worker and a good team player.
If he can find a club that is willing to give him a chance, Mbatha has the potential to become a star in the PSL.
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He came through the School of Excellence together with Phakamani Mahlambi before joining Bidvest Wits’ youth academy.
He made his senior debut for the club in 2017. Thereafter, he had a loan stint at Platinum Stars. Mbatha moved to Atlético de Kolkata, an Indian professional football club based in Kolkata, West Bengal, in 2018. Upon his return in 2019, he joined TS Sporting before a stint with the University of Pretoria in the 2021/22 season.
Mbatha has represented South Africa at two World Cups at Under 17 and Under 20 level.