Kaizer Chiefs’s Goalkeeper Coach, Rainer Dinkelacker believes that the Club has discovered yet another goalkeeping gem in Gregory Mabena. Chiefs boast with arguably the best goalkeeping department in the country with internationals Itumeleng Khune, Emille Baron and national U20, Thela Ngobeni.

Gregory Mabena who joined Kaizer Chiefs development in 1999 was called back to the Club after spending time in the amateur ranks.

“I joined Kaizer Chiefs development in 1999 but had to leave in 2004 as the team had four good goalkeepers in their stable. I spent time with different teams in the amateur ranks. It was during off season that I received a call from Itumeleng (Khune), apparently the team was looking for a fourth goalkeeper. I trained for a while before signing a three and half year contract with the Club. I am happy to be back with Chiefs and working with the other goalkeepers, Emille, Itu and Thela. All the guys are supportive.

I am working hard under Dinkelacker who is a very good goalkeeper coach. He has set high standards for all the goalkeepers in the Club. I know having worked with him during my time with the development” said the 22 year old.

Goalkeeper Rainer Dinkelacker, said he was pleased with Gregory’s attitude, “He has good attitude and always willing not only to work hard, but to learn. He is definitely a good addition to our goalkeeping department. If he listens and stay on his feet he will be a gem.

We assessed him for two weeks and I then spoke to the coach, Muhsin Ertugral. It is very important for a goalkeeper at his age to have something and I can tell you that Gregory has a very good technique.

He has also fitted very well into the set up and that is very important. I want unity in the goalkeeping department. The guys know that if one is not playing they should all rally and support the one who is in goals” he said.

Gregory Mabena’s Fact File:


Name and Surname: Gregory Mabena


Date of Birth: 17 June 1986


Place of Birth: Vosloorus


Previous Teams: Disco Birds, Ten Ten FC, Alaska