Siyabonga Mabena

Siyabonga Nicolas Mabena is a South African professional footballer who plays as a forward for Mamelodi Sundowns.

Club career

Mabena progressed through the Transnet School of Excellence, before being subject to strong interest from fellow South African sides Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates in 2022. He chose to join the Sundowns, with teammate Relebohile Ratomo joining the Pirates, and was promoted to the Sundowns' under-19 team at the age of fifteen.
On 14 March 2023, he was a shock inclusion in Rhulani Mokwena's squad for the DStv Premiership match against Royal AM. With the score at 5–1, Mabena was brought on as a substitute for Themba Zwane, becoming the fifth youngest debutant ever in the South African top flight in the process. Following the game, manager Mokwena compared Mabena to the late Gift Leremi, lauding his balance, ability to play with both feet, and his change of direction at speed. On the 27 of September 2023 Siyabonga Mabena became the youngest player to score in the Premier Soccer League at the age of 16 years 7 months and 9 days playing for Mamelodi Sundowns against Sekhukhune United.

International career

Youth

Mabena was called up to the South African under-17 squad for the 2022 COSAFA Under-17 Championship. He scored five goals in South Africa's 11–0 win over the Seychelles, and followed this up with a hat trick in the 5–1 semi-final win over Malawi. Although South Africa were beaten 1–0 in the final by Zambia, Mabena was named both top scorer and player of the tournament, having scored nine goals in five appearances.

Style of play

Following his debut game, manager Mokwena compared Mabena to the late Gift Leremi, lauding his balance, ability to play with both feet, and his change of direction at speed.