DOCTOR KHUMALO SOUTH AFRICA

About the Book

This biography is a passionately executed demonstration of just how powerful football is in Africa. How football against all odds of apartheid, transformed a life of a youngster born in Soweto and thrust him into international stardom achieving world recognition through his God given talent.Written unapologetically from a fan’s perspective, the fan who’s also the author, for over twenty years, followed and studied the life of Doctor Khumalo who captivated and thrilled many people during his heyday. The book further demonstrates how Doctor Khumalo was able to make a name and a brand from which he continues to feed off even in retirement. This is an oddity in Africa. Many African superstars retire rich and immediately become poor in retirement despite having amassed preposterous amounts of wealth during their career. This is due to poor planning and lack of investment mechanisms, and hanging out with a wrong crowd. Doctor Khumalo remains a big name in Africa whose durability continues to lure corporates and organizations to his brand. This story is a remarkable illustration that indeed all our dreams are valid. That if we work hard and remain focused and determined, nothing is impossible. This football story is an unambiguous reminder that indeed football and sport in general have united people initially divided on political opionion, race and gender amongst others as was the case in South Africa during the political struggle against Apartheid. The Doctor Khumalo story is a cryptic demonstration of how football has evacuated many families from abject poverty. This is an unconditional celebration of an extra ordinarily talented soccer star whose football prowess turned him from a regular township celebrity into a global superstar. This story demonstrates how making a name and a durable brand has become an alternative source of income for Doctor Khumalo many years after his playing days.

About the Author

OLEBILE NTSODI SIKWANE was born in Botswana. He matriculated at the prestigious Rosebank House College in Cape Town before pursuing a Bachelor of Laws(LLB) degree at the University of the Western Cape. Whilst at University, Sikwane worked for 365 Digital as a Match Reporter. He subsequently contributed to amongst others; Soccer Laduma, Kickoff (both magazine & website), Soccer Solutions and GroundUp. Sikwane has also worked for FIFA match agency Simsport International as a Match Planner.He later worked as a Case Manager at Berlin Sports Consulting Africa (now FC Cape Town Consulting) with a specific focus on FIFA solidarity fees, training and compensation. He subsequently worked as a General Manager for Gaborone United SC in the Botswana Premier League. Sikwane is part of an emerging African literati and a young but promising breed of football executives. Known for his avant-garde thinking and sharp negotiation skills,Sikwane together with Mark Byrne re-introduced Umbro in Botswana in 2011. In 2016, he introduced another brand Canterbury in Botswana as an exclusive franchise holder. Sikwane writes an insightful weekly soccer column ‘Final Whistle’ published by Botswana’s biggest newspaper,The Sunday Standard. Sikwane is based in Cape Town as a Football Intermediary.