Mihlali Mayambela: Bafana Bafana Star Snubs Premier Soccer League Teams, Joins European Club
- Bafana Bafana star Mihlali Mayambela has joined a new club in Europe despite being linked with a return to the Premier Soccer League
- The South African international was linked with a move to Betway Premiership giants Kaizer Chiefs, but he has opted to stay in Europe
- The 29-year-old also explained why he decided to join his new club, and also talked about what he would bring to the club this season
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Bafana Bafana winger Mihlali Mayambela has joined Cypriot side Omonia Nicosia, signing a contract that runs through May 2028 on Thursday, January 29, 2026.
Source: Twitter
This transfer follows his mutual termination with Aris Limassol earlier on Thursday, allowing the 29-year-old to move freely to any club of his choosing.
Mayambela came through the ranks at Old Mutual Academy before furthering his development with Johannesburg giants Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs.
He later gained senior experience in the 2014 and 2015 seasons with South African National First Division outfit Cape Town All Stars, featuring in 11 league matches for the club.
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Earlier reports had linked him with a high-profile move to South African giants Kaizer Chiefs in the Betway Premiership, but that transfer never came to fruition.
Mihlali Mayambela joins Omonia
Mayambela arrived at Limassol in July 2022 and played a key role in the club’s success, contributing to their Cyprus League and Cyprus Super Cup triumphs while also gaining European experience in the UEFA Europa League.
Across 125 appearances for Limassol, he contributed 19 goals and 15 assists, leaving a notable mark before departing. His performance for the club earned him a place in Hugo Broos' squad that finished third at the 2023 Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast in 2024, but missed out on the Bafana Bafana squad that represented South Africa at the 2025 AFCON in Morocco.
Source: Getty Images
The versatile South African now embarks on a new chapter with Cypriot powerhouse Omonia, who have claimed the league title 21 times, most recently in the 2020/21 season.
Currently, Omonia leads the league standings, sitting five points ahead of second-placed AEK Larnaca, who have collected 40 points from 19 matches.
Mayambela, who has scored twice in 16 appearances for Bafana Bafana, will line up alongside former Manchester City striker Stevan Jovetic at his new club.
Mayambela explains why he joined Omonia Nicosia
In his first interview after completing his move to Omonia Nicosia, Mayambela explained that the club aligns perfectly with his present goals and ambitions.
The winger expressed his delight at joining the Cypriot giants, stating that he is eager to give everything for the team and contribute to the club’s overall success. He revealed that the interest shown by Omonia immediately excited him, and once the opportunity arose, he was keen to get started and focus on the task ahead.
Mayambela also spoke fondly of playing in Cyprus, noting that he has always felt comfortable in the country and enjoys the footballing environment. He added that Omonia’s stature is widely recognised across the nation, insisting that the club’s reputation needs no introduction.
While admitting that he had other offers on the table, the 29-year-old stressed that choosing Omonia was the correct decision. He concluded by outlining the club’s lofty objectives, highlighting their desire to challenge for the league title and the domestic cup, while also pushing for success in the UEFA Conference League playoffs.
Mayambela said he is ready to make an immediate impact at the club, stressing that he thrives on challenges. The winger explained that pushing himself in competitive environments is essential, noting that a footballer’s career is short and requires constant motivation to test oneself alongside top-quality players.
He added that the factors highlighted were decisive in his move, expressing strong optimism about what lies ahead. Mayambela said he is extremely excited about the future and confident the club has the tools to achieve success, adding that he is delighted to have joined.
SA-born striker joins La Liga side
Briefly News earlier reported that a South African-born forward has completed a winter transfer move to a Spanish La Liga side this January.
The 19-year-old confirmed the deal on his official social media page, with his fans and followers congratulating him after the move.
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Source: Briefly News
