Ex-football agent pens Khumalo bio

Staff Writer | Friday March 15, 2019 13:04

The book titled Doctor Khumalo South Africa, has been published in Indianapolis, United States. It is already listed on Amazon and is expected to hit local shelves at the end of March. 

Sikwane writes that the book is a tribute and not a dramatic story of his hero, Doctor Khumalo who influenced him and many African youngsters during his heyday.

“This is an unconditional celebration of an extraordinarily talented African soccer star whose football prowess turned him from a regular township celebrity into a global superstar,” Sikwane writes. Sikwane says the book further demonstrates how building a name and a brand has helped Khumalo make a living beyond his playing days.“ Doctor Khumalo is a big brand whose durability continues to lure corporates and organisations to his brand,” He starts off chronicling the star's childhood, who was born in Soweto, throughout to his debut day in 1987, up to his illustrious Bafana Bafana days, especially during the famous 1996 AFCON and the 1998 World Cup. 

There are also chapters on both his brief sojourn in Argentina and a successful Major League stint with Columbus Crew. He does not go far into Doctor Khumalo’s private life, electing to focus more on his brand, his fame and stature. The book is written unapologetically from a fan’s perspective. Sikwane believes that African stars' stories have not been told, and this one is just one that should give hope to many African legends that they can be celebrated while they are still alive. “It saddens me that we have to celebrate our heroes and give them honour when they are no longer alive. And often, politicians do it for political mileage or when the public demands it.”

Asked why he could not start off with a biography of a local star, Sikwane said. “I’m a global citizen. I wish I could write a book about a local footballer, but I’m  honest my first attraction to football, like many people back home were inspired by Jomo Sono  and Ace Ntsoelengoe, my inspiration has been Doctor Khumalo. If most of our players were inspired by Doctor Khumalo, it means he could inspire me as a writer.” Sikwane says he hopes that local writers could take interest in writing about their favourite stars to keep their legacy whilst they are still alive. The book launch is expected to be done sometime next month in Johannesburg, before another in the United States later in the year. The book retails at $22 on Amazon.