Former Bloemfontein Celtic midfielder Mark Mayambela now turning out for Cape Town City enjoys a special relationship with Celtic fans, every time he returns to Bloemfontein he connects with the Siwelele fans.
Mayambela’s career blossomed at the Mangaung outfit and he enjoyed some magical moments while playing for Siwelele to became a huge fan favourite.
Despite the rivalry ingrained in sport, the way Celtic fans shower one of their own (Mayambela) with love is a marvel to watch and true to Madiba’s words, sport is a powerful force for good uniting people and in moments like these, no one can have qualms with Pele who labelled football, “the world’s most beautiful game”.
Mayambela cut his professional football teeth with Bloemfontein Celtic in 2007 after joining from the Old Mutual Academy and it is at Siwelele that Mayambela arguably played best football of his career and ever since then he enjoys a special place in the heart of Celtic fans.
He has gone on to represent other clubs in South Africa such as Orlando Pirates, Ajax Cape Town, SuperSport United, Royal Eagles and Chippa United.
Abroad, Mayambela represented Swedish side Djurgården though he terminated his contract by mutual agreement in January 2015 after he had indicated that he wanted to return to South Africa. following a spate of injuries and time on the sidelines.
Each time, Mayambela encounters Siwelele fans he creates memorable scenes and would he one day be an ambassador for the PSL or any of the PSL clubs it might be wonderful as it is a role that suits him.
It is a rare spectacle for opposition fans to reserve praise or applause but the way Mayambela connects with Celtic fans despite turning out for rival teams in the same league is legendary.
It matches a feat reserved for one of the finest footballers Ronaldinho who had who after destroying Real Madrid with Barcelona in the El Classico got a standing ovation at the Bernabeu in November 2005.
Ronaldinho was at the peak of his powers in an era before the Messi-Cristiano Ronaldo duopoly took over and that night he produced a performance for the ages which had everyone on their feet in applause.
By Gerald Dandah
