Cape Town - Mamelodi Sundowns
striker Phakamani Mahlambi admits he still harbours hopes of playing in
Europe, but feels he has more to learn before taking the big step.
The Bidvest Wits youth product returned home during the off-season when he joined the Premiership champions after a one-year spell in Egypt with Al Ahly.
Mahlambi failed to establish himself at the Cairo International Stadium after scoring just once in 12 league appearances for the Egyptian giants.
The 21-year-old opened his account for Pitso Mosimane's side in the 3-3 draw with AmaZulu on September 16 and has featured seven times in the top flight this term.
Mosimane wants Mahlambi to realise his dream and believes the youngster will be ready to go overseas in 2020 if he continues to work hard at Chloorkop.
"I wanted to go to Europe and I still want to go to Europe still," he said. "Coach [Mosimane] has given me the time-frame; he said in two years' time.
"I feel I'm not ready now to go there. I just need to come here and play, and then after that knowing that I'm fit enough to go to Europe if the move comes.
"Going to Egypt I don't regret because I think it was a learning curve for me on how to play outside the country.
"If I can keep on working hard and get game-time obviously the rhythm will come, and I will get back to the Phakamani that people know.
"I'm trying to get my form back and trying to combine with the new team-mates, and obviously trying to help the team win games."