eddie jones - fact file

	Mbulelo Mabizela (Defender)
SOUTH AFRICA INTERNATIONAL
Impressing Tottenham on their two match tour of South Africa in July 2003, Mbulelo Mabizela was brought back on the plane with them to England, where he trained and further shone in matches against Luton Town and Sporting Lisbon. The tough tackling defender won over the fans in the Lisbon match and his calmness on the ball, allied with good distribution meant that most thought Tottenham should sign him up. Which is what the club did in August 2003, after getting a work permit on appeal. Having lead his country as captain, the 22 year old shows all the strengths that Spurs had been lacking in a defender. An imposing presence, a willingness to get stuck in and someone who is good in the air. Hopefully, he will not suffer the injury jinx that most of the Spurs team fall victim to these days. He has expressed problems with his team-mates not helping him settle in, but this was dismissed as a loss on meaning in interpretation to a South African newspaper. His presence in the first team might not be immediately forthcoming, but with the season taking it's toll around the New Year, he might find himself flung into the first team among the snow and ice of a British winter. Despite playing a couple of games under the new management of Jacques Santini, the club released him in November 2004 after he failed to establish himself in the first team.
NICKNAME : OldJohn (his mother's maiden name, which is traditionally assumed as a nickname); OJ (short for OldJohn); Mabs
Height : 1.78m Weight : 79kg

Born on 16th September 1980 in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa.

Called up for his South Africa debut in 10th November 2001 against Egypt, he became the country's youngest ever football captain aged 21 (v Trinidad and Tobago on 14th June 2003) and had played 40 times for South Africa (October 2005) and has scored twice.

Spotted by Spurs playing against them for Orlando Pirates when on tour in South Africa in 2003. The club brought him back with them to Tottenham and signed him for a fee in the region of £1 million.

Made his debut for Tottenham against Leicester City at the Walkers Stadium on 19th October 2003 and hit the winning goal - a thirty yard pile-driver.

He failed to find a regular place in the team and when new Head Coach Jacques Santini came in, he was not considered for the first team.

Having played seven matches and scored one goal, he left Spurs in November 2004 with the club cancelling his contract allowing him to join Valerenga of Norway.

In August 2006, Mabizela left Norway to return home to play for Mamelodi Sundowns.