Phakamani Mahlambi is not the first and will most certainly not be the last talent gone down the drain and it looks like there is just no way back for a player who once looked destined for greatness.
I first saw Mahlambi in 2013, long before he turned professional, during the 2013 Metropolitan SASFA Under-16 Cup in Seshego, Polokwane.
He was playing for the School of Excellence and all of us watching him during that tournament agreed that there was something special in him. He was the player of the tournament and wrapped up his campaign in style with a hat-trick in the final to leave a lasting impression.
