It was a crisp Saturday morning when Mkhize received a message from one of the local coaches he had quietly connected with. The bigger club the one trying to recruit Thabo was offering him an opportunity to observe their youth program.
It was tempting. He could see top-level scouting in action, learn directly from experienced coaches, and maybe even make contacts that could fast-track his dream. But something didn't sit right.
Thabo's future was at stake. Mkhize wasn't there just to chase his own dream he had promised himself he would guide and protect the young players he believed in, even before he had official authority.
He sat down in his small study, notebook open, pen in hand. He thought of the boy practicing tirelessly in the dusty field, the fire in his eyes, the trust he had begun to place in Mkhize.
If I go, I might learn faster… but what about Thabo?
After a long silence, he wrote:
"Dreams cannot come at the cost of integrity. I will grow my knowledge. I will take every chance to learn. But I will not abandon those who trust me. Patience now, rewards later."
Mkhize made his choice. He would stay with Thabo, continue observing, mentoring, and documenting every detail. One day, when he had the license, the connections, and the credibility, Thabo would have the opportunities he deserved and Mkhize would be ready to make them happen.
The next morning, he arrived at the field earlier than usual. Thabo was already there, stretching and warming up. The boy looked up and smiled.
"You didn't go to the other club?" Thabo asked, curiosity in his voice.
"No," Mkhize said firmly. "I'm here for you, for your growth. One step at a time. We do this the right way."
Thabo nodded, respect and trust shining in his eyes. For the first time, Mkhize felt the weight of responsibility and the thrill of purpose.
That evening, he wrote in his notebook:
"Integrity first. Dreams follow. Patience is my strength. One day, Kaizer Chiefs, and every other dream I chase, will see the work I've done and the players I've guided. Today is the step that matters."
Mkhize closed the notebook and looked out over Gauteng once again. The city stretched endlessly before him, full of opportunities and challenges alike. He didn't have a license. He didn't have a team. But he had patience, purpose, and persistence and that was enough for now.