Club career
Mabena progressed through the Transnet School of Excellence, before being subject to strong interest from fellow South African sides Mamelodi Sundowns F.C., Mamelodi Sundowns and Orlando Pirates F.C., Orlando Pirates in 2022. He chose to join the Sundowns, with teammate Relebohile Ratomo joining the Pirates, and was promoted to the Sundowns' under-19 team at the age of fifteen. On 14 March 2023, he was a shock inclusion in Rhulani Mokwena's squad for the South African Premier Division, DStv Premiership match against Royal AM F.C., Royal AM. With the score at 5–1, Mabena was brought on as a substitute for Themba Zwane, becoming the fifth youngest debutant ever in the South African top flight in the process. Following the game, manager Mokwena compared Mabena to the late Gift Leremi, lauding his balance, ability to play with both feet, and his change of direction at speed. On the 27 of September 2023 Siyabonga Mabena became the youngest player to score in the Premier Soccer League at the age of 16 years 7 months and 9 days playing for Mamelodi Sundowns against Sekhukhune United.International career
Youth
Mabena was called up to the South Africa national under-17 soccer team, South African under-17 squad for the 2022 COSAFA Under-17 Championship. He scored five goals in South Africa's 11–0 win over the Seychelles national under-17 football team, Seychelles, and followed this up with a hat trick in the 5–1 semi-final win over Malawi national under-17 football team, Malawi. Although South Africa were beaten 1–0 in the final by Zambia national under-17 football team, Zambia, Mabena was named both top scorer and player of the tournament, having scored nine goals in five appearances.Career statistics
Club
References
{{DEFAULTSORT:Mabena, Siyabonga 2007 births Living people South African men's soccer players South Africa men's youth international soccer players Men's association football forwards South African Premier Division players Mamelodi Sundowns F.C. players 21st-century South African sportsmen