Sport often works in mysterious ways – and, sometimes, even if the journey is intricate and frustrating, the destination makes it all worthwhile.
Cape Town City right back Thamsanqa Mkhize has, this season, experienced such a roller-coaster ride of emotions, taking him from the throes of disappointment to the dizzy heights of delight.
Now, as second-placed City prepare to face PSL and African champions Mamelodi Sundowns at the Athlone Stadium on Friday night (8pm kickoff), Mkhize also has an opportunity to elevate himself into the national selection picture.
Bafana Bafana have always been blessed with fantastic right backs – from the days of Sam “Ewie” Kambule and Sizwe Motaung to the current generation of Anele Ngcongca, Thulani “Tyson” Hlatshwayo and Ramahlwe Mphahlele. A new SA national football coach is expected to be named soon – and, no doubt, there will be much deliberation when the next Bafana squad is picked.
At the age of 28, Mkhize has been around the block – but, on form, along with Kaizer Chiefs’ Mphahlele, he has just about been one of the best performers in his position in the PSL this season. Like City teammates Lebogang Manyama and Aubrey Ngoma, the industrious right back is knocking hard on the Bafana door.
And, in the delicious twist of irony that sport so often delivers, it has been a case of Orlando Pirates’ loss, and City’s gain. In July last year, Mkhize was all set to pen a contract with the popular Soweto club, but for some or other insane reason, they decided against signing the player.
City, on the recommendation of former Cape Town Spurs and Hellenic right back Craig Rosslee, jumped at the opportunity to offer Mkhize an opportunity. Rosslee is City’s technical director.
Cape Town City technical director Craig Rosslee recommended Thamsanqa Mkhize to the club bosses. Photo: Aubrey Kgakatsi, Backpagepix
Mkhize arrived in the Cape an unknown and was supposedly only arriving as defensive cover. But ever since being given a chance by City coach Eric Tinkler, he’s never put a foot wrong. He’s been a regular, top-class presence, and has continued to deliver consistent performances.
All the talk about City’s success this season – second on the PSL standings and Telkom Knockout champions – have revolved around the individual excellence of captain Manyama, the creative ability of left wing Ngoma and the tenacious commitment of robust Austrian hard man Roland Putsche.
But grinding away week after week, and never letting the side down, is Mkhize. His contribution has been just as invaluable to the Cape club’s remarkable achievements this season.
From Cato Ridge, a town about 30km south-east of Maritzburg, Mkhize hails from the Kwaximba community, and played for Golden Arrows and Maritzburg United before his failed move to Pirates.
Now, if his resolve and ability are to be tested, there can be no better or bigger stage than a game against Sundowns and the wealth of talent they have available in attack, including Khama Billiat, Thapelo Morena, Anthony Laffor, Percy Tau and Leonardo Castro.
City come off a comfortable 3-0 win over bottom-of-the-log Baroka FC at the weekend, but Tinkler is still looking for more improvement.
When City and Sundowns met in the corresponding first-round PSL fixture at Loftus in October last year, the Capetonians emerged as 2-1 winners, with Manyama grabbing both goals.
At the time, though, Sundowns had just returned from Egypt, after winning the Caf Champions League, and fatigue was certainly an excuse. This time, Sundowns will be up for the challenge – and their recent results certainly attest to it.