Mkhize talks fondly of his ‘big brother’

When he was growing up, Sicelo Mkhize used to idolise his neighbour Simphiwe Mosia, who was a professional player and had stints at Ajax Cape Town, Orlando Pirates, Chelsea’s academy and Westerlo in Belgium, as well as turning out for the national Under-23 side.

Mosia died in 2016 after a short illness, at a time when he was struggling to resurrect his career. Mkhize is happy he got to spend some time with Mosia before his death as he gave him some invaluable advice on how to conduct himself if he turned professional.

“Growing up there were a lot of guys from the same township (Hammarsdale) who were big stars. There were the likes of Sibusiso Zuma and McBeth Sibaya who were household names and seeing them on TV planted the seed into me to also want to use my talents to earn a living,” said Mkhize.

“But it was Simphiwe that I grew close with. He was my neighbour and when he was struggling to get back into the game we spent a lot of time together and he used to guide me. He told me things I should avoid to ensure I become successful. He had done it all and seen it all, having even made it to Chelsea at some point.

“He was like a big brother to me,” he said.

Mkhize joined AmaZulu juniors and later moved to Real Kings when they were campaigning in the ABC Motsepe League and helped them win promotion to the National First Division (NFD). He struggled to break into Simo Dladla’s first team in their first season in the NFD.

He was then recommended to Jomo Cosmos where he went on trial and impressed the renowned and well-respected Jomo Sono whose eye for talent is indisputable.

“We all know how many careers this team have launched and joining them was just a dream for me. Fortunately I adapted quickly with the help of senior players like Linda Mntambo, Mxolisi Macuphu and others. I quickly became one of the regulars and managed to score a few goals,” he said.

“I am happy with my contribution but I feel I can do more. I am growing with each game we play. I am constantly improving,” he added.

Mkhize scored five goals for Cosmos this season.

Despite suffering some injuries which hampered his progress a little, Mkhize, 22, is happy that he has recovered in time from the latest injury to be available to help the side in the play-offs.

“I am fully fit now and will train with guys when we resume tomorrow. I am happy to be back and want to do my bit to ensure we get the team back in the Absa Premiership. That is all I am committed to for now.

“I would also like to play for the big teams one day and even go overseas. But for now I want to be remembered as one of those who brought Cosmos back and helped them stay there,” he said.

Mkhize said it would be easier for them in the play-offs because they know all the teams they will be playing against.

“I have watched the teams we will possibly play in the play-offs because we have been anticipating that we would qualify. Of all the four (Absa Premiership sides) who might drop down to the play

offs there is not one I haven’t watched over the past few weeks,” he said over the prospect of facing Ajax Cape Town, Baroka FC, Polokwane City or SuperSport United.