The morning sun glinted off Mkhize's Kaizer Chiefs tracksuit, the Kappa logo sharp against the fabric. For the first time, he wasn't just a hopeful scout he was official. Every step on the training ground felt heavier with responsibility but lighter with pride. The season in the Gauteng Development League (GDL) was about to begin, and Mkhize had a front-row seat.
He adjusted the jacket and zipped it up, notebook in hand, ready to follow the players he had scouted. Thabo and Sipho were already warming up on the field, their confidence clear after the successful trials.
Tracking the Players
Mkhize moved between groups of academy players and youth squad trainees, watching, analyzing, and taking detailed notes.
Thabo: quick on the ball, more composed under pressure, following tactical instructions.
Sipho: sharp, precise, showing a newfound confidence and leadership potential.
Other players from Soweto: raw, energetic, with flashes of brilliance that could be molded into professional skill.
Every movement, every decision on the field was noted. Mkhize understood that his recommendations could shape the futures of these boys. His heart raced with excitement the dream he had envisioned in his notebook was now unfolding in real life.
School Leagues and Bigger Tournaments
Between training sessions, Mkhize visited local schools conducting trials for their leagues. Some schools were preparing first teams, others age-group squads, all with the goal of bigger tournaments: Curro, KNZ, Cape Town, and more.
Mkhize's eyes scanned the fields for potential talent. Some players reminded him of Thabo when he first arrived at the academy hungry, raw, and determined. Others showed flashes of technical skill that could be molded into greatness.
Every school, every field, every trial this is where future stars are born, he thought.
The Girl in Soweto
During one of the school visits in Soweto, Mkhize spotted her again. She was helping organize a small training group, clipboard in hand, giving instructions confidently. Her eyes met his, and she smiled.
Mkhize felt a flutter in his chest. Wearing his Kaizer Chiefs tracksuit made him feel official, professional but it didn't stop the distraction she created. He tried to focus, reminding himself of the players, the trials, and the season ahead.
Still, small moments of interaction were inevitable: she asked a question about a drill, he offered advice, and they exchanged a few smiles. Mkhize realized he was starting to genuinely like her, but he kept it subtle the dream of scouting and guiding players remained his priority.
Closing the Day
As the sun set over Gauteng, Mkhize sat on a bench in his tracksuit, notebook open, reviewing the day's observations.
"The season begins. GDL matches, school leagues, tournaments every player counts. Thabo, Sipho, and the new talents will need guidance, discipline, and encouragement. And Soweto brings more than talent someone special has caught my attention. Focus first, feelings later. But this is life. Balance is key."
He closed the notebook, zipped up his jacket, and looked out over the fields. The world of professional football, the academy, and the dreams he had chased for years were finally real and tangible. And for the first time, Mkhize felt fully ready for whatever challenges lay ahead.