The Results & Tensions
The day the Chiefs assessments results drop, Mkhize sits in his room staring at his notebook, his heart heavy. He has called the boys he believes in, but he knows not all of them will make it.
Sipho's name is on the list. He breaks down in tears when Mkhize tells him, his mother ululating in the background.
Thabo's name is missing. The silence on the other side of the phone crushes Mkhize. Thabo whispers: "So that's it? I'm not good enough?" Mkhize swallows hard, forcing strength into his voice:
Mkhize: "No, mfana… it just means you've got more work to do. This isn't the end. I'll fight for you again."
At the same time, the boy who had messaged him on WhatsApp makes the cut. Mkhize can't help but smile sometimes instincts pay off. But watching the heartbreaks on the faces of the others is the side of scouting no one talks about.
Lwazi's Sundowns Trial
Meanwhile, Lwazi is preparing for round two with Sundowns. The tests are harsher, the players bigger, faster, more technical. The coaches barely say a word as they watch with sharp eyes.
Mkhize sits in the stands, gripping his tracksuit tightly. Every mistake Lwazi makes feels like it's happening to him too. But then, in the final game, Lwazi bursts down the wing, cuts inside, and scores. The Sundowns assistant coach writes something down. Hope.
But it's not over. They tell Lwazi: "You've got potential, but you lack discipline. If you want this, show us at the next camp."
Mkhize knows his brother must now choose between behaving at school or losing everything.
Naledi & Mkhize
While all this is happening, Naledi and Mkhize meet late after a Soweto school tournament. She notices how tired he is, the weight on his shoulders.
Naledi: "You carry everyone's dreams, Mkhize. But who carries yours?"
Mkhize can't answer. For the first time, he allows himself to just… breathe, with her. Their relationship is no longer just light flirting there's real connection, but also risk.
Coaches & Secrets
One boy at school sees his PE coach talking to a man in a Kaizer Chiefs tracksuit. He doesn't realize that man is Mkhize the very scout who holds futures in his hands. Rumors start swirling.
Later, the strict coach corners Mkhize after training:
Strict Coach: "I told my boys about you. I told them you're not happy. You better not make me a liar, Mkhize. These kids need honesty, not pity."
Mkhize, standing firm, replies:
Mkhize: "Then let them earn it. No shortcuts."
The tension between being a friend, a mentor, and a professional scout is tearing at him.