The Professor is handing out some harsh lessons to Ajax Cape Town’s opponents.
Mark Mayambela has been the standout performer of the Urban Warriors’ simmering turnaround.
The 29-year-old magician has been given the free rein he needs to exhibit the talent that we saw while he was a player at Orlando Pirates.
Three Man of the Match awards in a row is testament to the incisive flair Prof brings to Stanley Menzo’s new game plan.
With Ajax playing a more attacking style, the game revolves around the left-footer.
Always looking to be dangerous is what he is all about.
Whether he is making space for his teammates or threading a pass no one else has seen or taking on players on one on one.
And he has been taking on and beating players for fun.
You just have to see what he did to Thabo Nthethe to set up Ajax’s second goal in their 2-0 win over Mamelodi Sundowns on Wednesday night.
He stepped the Bafana Bafana defender, sending him other way. I swear he will need a neck brace for whiplash. Good luck to the Downs physio.
For Mayambela, it’s all about playing with joy.
He feels right at home. And that’s because he is.
Back in Cape Town, the place of his birth, has breathed new life into Mayambela.
He has talked about how keen he is to mentor the players at the club.
And what an example he is to the likes of Thabo Mosadi, Ziggy Eksteen, Luthando Mateza and Masilake Phohlongo.
Away from the pitch, Mayambela is getting ready to host his own youth tournament to inspire the next talents – like his brother Mihlali who has followed in his footsteps by moving to Sweden.
His big heart can be seen on the pitch too, as he drives his teammates to do better.
No matter how bright his star shines, he is playing for the team.
The proof of the Prof’s class?
While he bamboozled Downs up front, Ajax’s rearguard was keeping out the African champions at the other end.
Rivaldo Coetzee was an yster at the back as usual.
And Mayambela decided to honour the young Bafana linchpin with his award.