Vicky Mkhawana's meteoric rise took him from the under-17 national squad to his recent signing with the prestigious Kaizer Chiefs.
Mkhawana from Limpopo made his debut for the Amajimbos under-17 national squad during the highly anticipated CAF U/17 CUP in Algeria.
The dynamic midfielder left an indelible mark on the tournament.
In the first round, his sublime skills and unwavering determination played a pivotal role in their exciting 3-2 victory over a spirited Zambian side.
Not only did he contribute significantly to the triumph but he was also Man of the Match.
Mkhawana's influence grew as the tournament progressed. With his exceptional goal-scoring ability, he netted an impressive three goals for Amajimbos, propelling them to the quarter-finals.
Their campaign was halted by a dominant Senegal side, who secured a convincing 5-0 victory, but despite the loss, Mkhawana's exploits caught the attention of football powerhouses.
Kaizer Chiefs announced the promotion of Mkhawana from their esteemed academy to the senior team.
He signed a lucrative three-year contract, marking a significant milestone in his career. The ceremony was witnessed by Mkhawana's beloved mother and sister as their boy joined the elite ranks of football.
Mkhawana's journey to the summit began last year when he joined the Amakhosi academy from his former club, Nkowankowa Barcelona FC in Tzaneen.
Peace Khosa, his former coach, shared his elation at seeing Mkhawana thrive.
"I'm thrilled to witness the recognition of this young talent. Discipline will be the key to his continued success as he aims for greater heights," Khosa said.
Born in Dan Village in Tzaneen, Mkhawana's success resonates within a community known for its struggles with gangsterism.
Today, he stands as a beacon of hope and inspiration for both the young and the old, proving that dreams can be realised against all odds.
Gerson Molapisane, the Mayor of the Greater Tzaneen Municipality, extended his congratulations to the Naturena player, highlighting the pride that Mkhawana's achievements have instilled in their local community.
