Lilywhite Legend #1

Mbulelo 'Old John' Mabizela

7 Appearances
1 (Stunning) Goal

Once a week, possibly on a Tuesday, I will be posting a tribute to a 'Lilywhite Legend'. There will be no rhyme or reason to my selections. There will be no order. Some will be cult heroes, some will be true greats and others will be forgotten faces...like Mbulelo Mabizela, or 'Old John' as he liked to be called.

Spurs fans will probably best remember this South African lunatic for scoring the greatest goal ever scored by anyone ever, away against Leicester in 2003. I would post a link to a YouTube video, but frustratingly there isn't one solely of the goal. However, it does feature in part 1 of Tottenham Hotspur - Great Goals, posted by some absolute gent by the name of 83hotspur. BONUS: The video's hosted by Georgie Thompson.

Here's the link:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EgesTh9bCYw

THE goal is at around 6.40 but I reckon you'll end up watching the whole thing anyway!

Now, I'm sure almost all of you will remember Old John's short-lived stay at the Lane. However, what do you know about the rest of his footballing career?

"Not a lot, possibly because I don't give a shit" - I hear you shout.

Well, as it happens, he's what I believe medical professionals call a bit of a nutter. This guy captained South Africa at 20 years of age. He was (possibly still is, who knows?) a good footballer. Why haven't we seen him since? Turns out he fucked up royally. Lots.

You may recall that he was released by Spurs for disciplinary reasons. Fair enough. I'm sure it could happen to anyone. Oh several disciplinary incidents you say? Ah well I'm sure he must have been going through a difficult phase.

After Spurs he joined some Norwegian side. I'd let you know the name, but it has some crazy letter in it that I can't find on my keyboard. Anyway, he was released after one season in which he made just 6 appearances, so he left for his homeland to play for Mamelodi Sundowns. Unfortunately for the mighty Mamelodi, our hero was then done for drug use. 6-month ban an' all! A disgrace if you ask me.

Following a couple more scandals, our man left the mighty Sundowns in 2009 for another South African outfit called Platinum Stars... surely the campest sounding team in world football. Within his first 6 months at his new club, he was arrested for drink-driving. I must point out that he was acquitted because his rights weren't read to him properly at the time of his arrest.

In 2011, Mabizela said "I had a good start at Spurs but it was too short and that's something I'll always look back on with regret." 

Never mind,  every story at Hot Shot Hotspur has a happy ending, and I am pleased to announce that Mbulelo Mabizela is still a part of our beautiful game. He currently plies his trade with South African side Bidvest Wits, where he won player of the year in 2012.

So boys and girls, raise a glass to Old John Mabizela, our first, and so far most deserving member, of the Lilywhite Legends!