Coaches I’ve worked with: Within 30 minutes, Zodwa calls back…

I know this will be confusing, surprising or even raising eyebrows to some people and they will be asking themselves a lot of questions about this column. However, there comes a time where you sit and reflect on who you really are and what you are all about. People know me as the brand Doctor Khumalo, but there is a lot that they don’t know about me and they also don’t know about the help and guidance I received from a lot of different people, some of whom are unlikely sources. I’ve spoken about the coaches, colleagues and friends on the impact and influence they’ve had in my life. Two weeks ago, I told you about Dr. Kaizer Motaung and I felt the need to let Soccer Laduma readers know just how much I appreciate Dr. Irvin Khoza in this week’s column. Forget about the fact that he is the Chairman of Orlando Pirates and I played for Kaizer Chiefs because that was never an issue for us. This man has done a lot for me and I know a lot of people will find it surprising, looking at the rivalry between the two teams. I must say, I am not the only one to have received a lot of favours, advice, support and guidance from the Pirates Chairman without even playing for his team. He has done a lot even for his team’s former players, but you never hear him making noise about it. W e always had a common goal, which is football, and whenever I meet him, there is never a dull moment. I always leave him feeling humbled and respected because of the things he has to say about me. This man has always been a father-figure to me and a lot of other guys and people need to know these things about him. I hear people talking about being reprimanded by him, but I never experienced anything like that, which goes to show that I have never given him a reason to call me to order. This man, together with Dr. Motaung, has done so much for South African football and I don’t even want to think where we would be without them. W hen I decided to hang up my soccer boots, I spoke to Bobby Motaung and Putco Mafani and they tried to advise me against my decision. They said it was a bit premature, but I told them I wanted to leave the dance floor while everyone was still enjoying my moves, rather than being booed off the stage. They asked about my plans and I told them if I could get a Soweto Derby benefit game, I would be happy. Putco suggested that we take it to Free State since they’d never hosted it and we all agreed. W e took the idea to Dr. Motaung and he was open and welcoming towards it. W e then asked him to please speak to his Pirates counterpart, Dr. Khoza, and feedback to us. My management team, at the time, went to see Dr. Khoza – and I think twice or three times – without any luck. South Africa was bidding for the 2006 FIFA W orld Cup, at the time, with the Chairman heavily involved in the process as the Bid Committee Chairman. I phoned his daughter, Zodwa – may her beautiful soul continue to rest in peace – and I told her I desperately needed to see the Chairman because my management team had tried without any luck. She told me she was going to try and get me an appointment. W ithin 30 minutes, Zodwa calls back to say, “Doc, you need to go to the W orld Cup bid offices tomorrow morning at 09h00. The Chairman will see you then.” I couldn’t believe it and when I got there, I found a queue of people who were there to see the Chairman. I got goosebumps because I didn’t know what to expect, but to my surprise, I only left his office around 15h30! I had lunch with him in his office and he gave me more than enough time. He was telling me about life, his love for Pirates and even former players who represented the club. I kept asking myself, “W hat have I done to deserve this treatment from a man of this stature?” Dr. Khoza has never been just the Pirates or PSL Chairman, he’s always been someone to show you love, fatherhood and someone you can lean on for advice. I left his office knowing a lot more about the history of South African football. He told me about things that should happen and shouldn’t happen after hanging up my boots and it was an informative conversation. I was really equipped for life after football by this man and his Chiefs counterpart. I really don’t know what I can do or say to thank Dr. Khoza enough for everything he has done for me. Long story short, he agreed to the Soweto Derby testimonial game and went above and beyond his call of duty. He told me, “For you, Doc, I want this to be the best send-off because you deserve it. I want you to remember that day for the rest of your life.” To my surprise, the day of the match, Pirates gave me a framed Bucs jersey and I still have it hanging on the wall at my house. Zodwa and Dr. Khoza presented it to me as they were both at the stadium. I’m so grateful to say one of the best football administrators I always admired from a distance made sure that I got a proper sendoff and he held me very close to his chest and heart. He showed me a lot of love and support over the years. There must be something Dr. Khoza saw in me to go all out for me and he is one of many people who really impacted my life and career in ways I never imagined.