Xola Mlambo: Veteran DSTv Premiership Midfielder Dispels Retirement Talk, Cites Coaching Challenges

• Xola Mlambo has clarified he has not retired despite not playing since 2023
• The 32-year-old midfielder is currently clubless and focused on his fitness
• He resurfaced in January at ABC Motsepe League outfit Wits University FC

Former Orlando Pirates midfielder, Xola Mlambo, has opened up about the hurdles he faced while working with coaches who failed to grasp his style of play.

Renowned for his technical prowess and ability to orchestrate plays on the field, the 32-year-old has also debunked rumours of his retirement.

He expressed frustration at being perceived as falling short of his potential by some critics.

'Ten Ten', as he was affectionately known, also plied his trade at Bidvest Wits, where he clinched the league title in 2017 under the guidance of coach Gavin Hunt. He has since had stints at Chippa United, TS Galaxy, and AmaZulu.

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Despite being sidelined from competitive matches since late last year, he asserted that retirement is not on his agenda.

Highlighting the impact of specific coaches on his career, Mlambo singled out Dan 'Dans' Malesela and Hunt as mentors who extracted the best from him. He drew parallels with European football, pointing out the significance of coaching proficiency.

“It goes with a bit of understanding and coaching, and I feel that as a coach, you are like a teacher dealing with 20 to 30 pupils in a class. You must get the best out of all of them. I was misunderstood by coaches who are unable to coach," Mlambo said, as quoted by Times Live.

Since parting ways with TS Galaxy, Mlambo is currently unattached to any club, fervently working on reviving his career. Teaming up with esteemed strength and conditioning coach Vusi Mavreka Hlabangwana, who has worked with a plethora of top-tier athletes, including Themba Zwane, Itumeleng Khune, and Andile Mpisane, Mlambo is diligently honing his fitness, s reported by SNL24.

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Sports Brief in 2023 listed the highest-paid managers in the DSTv Premiership.

The league comprises 16 teams, each with a head coach and various assistant coaches.

These coaches earn varying amounts depending on the teams they work for, experience, and other factors.