For more than a decade, the Richards Bay forward has been one of the PSL's most unpredictable attackers. Since arriving in South Africa in the 2013/14 season, Mhango has amassed nearly 300 appearances and close to 85 goals.

But he believes his success is less about natural talent and more about the harsh lessons delivered by some of the league's most uncompromising defenders.

Rather than recalling goals or trophies, Mhango measures his journey through the battles that shaped him.

He highlights former Orlando Pirates captain Happy Jele, veteran centre-backs Musa Bilankulu and Bevan Fransman, and the iron-strong duo of Morgan Gould and Tefu Mashamaite as the players who refined his game through relentless pressure.

"When I look back, I realise those defenders moulded me," Mhango told iDiski Times.

"Some of them are retired now, but the challenges they gave me - even in training - pushed me to think faster, move smarter and stay more disciplined."

Mhango says facing such hardened competitors forced him to adapt year after year, especially as the league became more physical and tactically demanding.

"You can't survive long in this league if defenders find you easy to handle," he said. "The more they challenge you, the more you grow. When things are tough, you hold on to those lessons. That's why I'm still here."

Instead of speaking about intimidation, the 33-year-old emphasises gratitude. Every difficult duel, he says, added something to his game - composure, strength, creativity and the ability to outthink opponents.

Now one of the PSL's most experienced forwards, Mhango believes he owes much of his career longevity to those early battles with the league's best.

"They weren't just opponents. They shaped me into the player I am," he concluded.

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