Football has a way of rewarding its true servants, if you respect the game, it returns the favour. It can open a well of endless possibilities and opportunities for you.

You only have to look at the likes of Lucas Radebe, Jomo Sono, Mark Fish and Phil Masinga, to name but a few. They are a living testimony of football’s generous rewards.

Bongani Khumalo will go on trials with Tottenham Hotspur in August and I believe this is the beginning of big things for the SuperSport United and Bafana Bafana defender.

His goal for Bafana Bafana against France in the Soccer World Cup was just a glimpse on what we can expect from the youngster in the near future. Khumalo’s qualities as a footballer are admirable. He is humble, yet determined to reach as high as the game can take him. He’s also got great character, which is evident on and off the pitch. He is a leader.

A product of amaTuks (Pretoria University) where he was spotted by SuperSport United, Khumalo has risen from a young defender full of potential to a Bafana Bafana regular, and has taken to his duties with great aplomb, keeping veterans like Matthew Booth out of the starting line-up and outshining his defensive partner, captain Aaron Mokoena, with his five star performances at the World Cup.

At 23, the boy is already a three-time PSL league champion with SuperSport, captaining Gavin Hunt’s men to their league victories. That’s a great achievement indeed for the tough tackling defender.

As Pitso Mosimane puts his plans for Bafana Bafana’s future in place, Khumalo should be considered for captain. It’s an open secret that Jingles has full admiration for Khumalo, and while Aaron Mokoena has played his part, it’s time to build for the future.

Whether he makes it at Spurs or not, the future still looks bright for him.

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Siphiwe Hlongwane

Siphiwe Hlongwane

After an unfortunate injury ended his promising career as a goalkeeper at age 16, Siphiwe Hlongwane started coaching youth football with moderate success. However, since the writing bug caught up with...

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