Rejected, but Mkhize had the last laugh

Just over two years ago, Thami Mkhize’s footballing career looked bleak as he had a contract disagreement with Maritzburg United and he was sent to train with the development team and later told to not come anymore.

He sat idle for almost six months until his contract ended. He must have felt the football gods had answered his prayers when he was signed by Orlando Pirates, but he suffered what can best be described as a sucker punch to his career when then Buccaneers coach Muhsin Ertugral got rid of him.

He then joined Cape Town City where he became a regular and also earned a few Bafana call-ups. He thanked former City defender Vincent Kobola who kept him on his toes.

“We played in the same position but there was never competition between us but rather a sense of brotherhood. We pushed each other to be at our best at all times. He supported me. He deserves everything in life because he has a pure heart. He is like a brother to me,” said Mkhize (right).

He was made captain at City at the beginning of this season and just 10 games into his role as skipper he lifted his first trophy on Saturday after leading the side to a penalty shootout win in the MTN8 final at Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.

“Life is about ups and downs,” Mkhize said. “As long as you stick to your plan and keep believing in yourself you should be fine. When I left Maritzburg I wanted to challenge myself and play for a team who wants to achieve things. I am grateful I was courageous enough to keep going,” he added.

Describing how it felt to lift his first trophy, Mkhize said: “I am happy, not for me alone, but everyone at the club.

“For me, as much as I am the captain, I think we are all captains here. I am grateful, however, to the coach for believing I could lead this team. My teammates have been very supportive and I am glad about that. I am learning every day and am grateful my hard work is paying dividends now.”