Aris Limassol midfielder Mihlali Mayambela admits he “almost quit football” after constantly being compared to his brother Mark Mayambela.

Mayambela was one of the players who made the final cut for the Bafana Bafana squad and will now look to earn a place in the starting line up for South Africa’s back-to-back Afcon qualifiers against Liberia this month.

The 26-year-old has been ever-present in the Aris Limassol squad this campaign, having already contributed to six goals, including three goals and three assists in 26 appearances across all competitions.

However, Mayambela says he has always been burdened by being compared to his older brother Mark, which has followed him over the year and nearly made him quit football.

“It was hard in the beginning because I was compared to my brother Mark all the time, and so I almost stopped playing football,” Mayambela told Safa.net.

“I left South Africa at the age of 18 daring to be different, to be my own man, my own player and for the comparison to stop, and it worked, luckily for me,” said the Aris Limassol forward.

“It’s such a great feeling. I know I was in denial, especially my debut when I only really believed that I got the nod when I saw it on the television, that made it real for me.

My family drove from Cape Town to see my game. My son was in the stands and that moment will stand out forever. One day I would like to show him that game and just how much I hold onto it.

“I would encourage him to go for his dreams like I did mine, even if he wants to follow in my footsteps and play football, that’s OK too.”

Photo by Muzi Ntombela/BackpagePix