The Pressure Builds
News spreads fast in the townships, schools, and football circles: Mkhize is the scout to see.
Every day, more and more boys show up at his local scouting sessions, their eyes burning with ambition. Some come from fancy academies, others barefoot from dusty fields. Every one of them wants a chance to play for Kaizer Chiefs, Sundowns, Pirates, or to be assessed for scholarships.
Some boys plead with him, saying: "Please, just give me five minutes on the field. I can prove it."
Others bring highlight videos, their phones shaking in excitement, hoping Mkhize will watch.
Mkhize's notebook is swelling with names, numbers, and observations. Each boy represents hopes, sacrifices, and dreams some coming from broken homes, others trying to escape poverty through football.
The Reality of Academy Life
Mkhize knows the reality is harsh. Not every boy can make it. Some academy players, once they sign a scholarship, have to pay fees, equipment costs, or training expenses.
Some families manage easily; others struggle to buy boots, kits, or transportation.
Mkhize begins quietly helping some of the most talented but poorest players. He uses his own contacts, sometimes borrowing or arranging small sponsorships.
He whispers to himself: "If football is going to save these boys, I'll fight for every single one of them, even if it costs me personally."
The Assessment Day Flood
On the next assessment day at the Chiefs Academy, the stands are packed with hopefuls. Parents shout encouragement, trainers hustle, and boys nervously warm up.
Mkhize feels the weight of expectations pressing on him:
Sipho and Thabo are already in, but their performance still matters.
Lwazi, disciplined and focused, is coming from Sundowns trials Mkhize can't afford mistakes.
The notebook boys, including the mystery WhatsApp kid, have been called.
Every whistle, every goal, every pass is scrutinized. Mkhize scribbles furiously, coaching, advising, and encouraging simultaneously. Some boys falter, some shine.
One boy collapses, exhausted, sweat pouring. Mkhize crouches beside him:
Mkhize: "It's not the end. Breathe. I'll find a way for you if you fight."
Heartbreak & Triumph
At the end of the day, results are bittersweet:
A few boys make it into provisional squads, their parents celebrating, tears streaming.
Others don't make the cut, some sobbing quietly, some angry at the unfairness of it all.
Mkhize reminds them: "Football is about resilience. If you didn't get it today, come back stronger. I'll see you again."
Meanwhile, the scholarship reality hits some families hard: not everyone can afford full-time academy costs. Some boys sign only partial scholarships, some rely on Mkhize to connect them with local sponsors.
Naledi & Mkhize
Amid all this chaos, Naledi finds Mkhize after the final whistle:
Naledi: "You're carrying half the province on your back, you know that?"
Mkhize (exhaling): "I can't just watch talent go to waste."
Naledi: "I know… but don't forget yourself in the process."
She reaches out, lightly touches his arm. It's a small gesture, but it grounds him. The connection between them grows quietly but meaningfully football and dreams pulling them together.
Lwazi's Discipline Reminder
Mkhize checks in with Lwazi at night:
Mkhize: "I saw the boys out there today… you've got your chance, but remember: you stay disciplined, or it's over. One slip and you'll lose everything."
Lwazi: "I won't, big bro. I've learned my lesson."
Mkhize feels a swell of pride. He's molding talent, shaping futures but also realizing scouting is more than skills. It's character, discipline, and heart.