Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana star Doctor “16 valve” Khumalo has backed the words of sports minister Gayton McKenzie, saying that South Africa is not doing justice to its legends.
Khumalo was speaking during the official launch of Stars of Africa Academy headed by former Chiefs assistant coach Farouk Khan. The launch was at the new Stars of Africa atrium in Melville on Thursday.
Bitter-sweet moment for country
On what was a bitter-sweet day which started with the funeral of the late Stanley “Screamer” Tshabalala, to remembering struggle icon Nelson Mandela on his birthday, and finally celebrating what was a historic moment where one of the pioneers of SA football unveiled his world-class atrium facility.
During his speech at Screamer Tshabalala’s funeral at the Christ Bible Church in Pimville, Soweto, McKenzie did not hold back. He said during his tenure in the sports ministry, legends would be given an opportunity to contribute to SA football.
Khumalo has since backed the statement and expressed his disappointment at how legendary coaches like Khan have been overlooked.
“The unfortunate part is that… and I tell it like it is because I am not scared – I have done so much for this game.
“I am standing in front of you heartbroken. Because people are still talking about Fannie Madida, Pitso Mosimane and the people of 1996.
“But as I walked in this atrium, I saw some pictures on the wall. And I said ‘Wow, Farouk Khan!’ I didn’t know that Tefu Mashamaite and some of the players were developed here at Stars of Africa.
Not doing justice to our legends
“But we are not doing justice to coaches like Farouk, Pitso and Cavin Johnson. Because they dealt with most of the youngsters we see today. And I was impressed with the minister of sports when he said the legends must take over.
Khumalo went on to give his opinion on why most legends cannot occupy high positions in SA football. He gave reasons as political.
“It’s all about politics, they are fighting for positions. In South Africa we are fighting for positions. But when they get them, they don’t know what to do.
“Why can’t we get people like coach Farouk write something that the entire South Africa will follow? In terms of positions developing youngsters? Because at the moment it is just a Christmas tree. And that is the reason why we can’t get it right.
“And now this is time for people who have walked the path and played the game. Time for them to be given an opportunity,” Khumalo added.
