The Aftermath of the GDL Weekend
The dust settled after the GDL knockout stages, but the noise still echoed in Mkhize's mind. The cheers, the heartbreak, the joy it was all too much, yet not enough.
At the Kaizer Chiefs Village, the Academy Director called Mkhize into the conference room. Coaches, staff, and scouts sat around a long table.
Director: "Mkhize, your notes were precise. The boys you brought some are already being considered for scholarships. The rest will remain on our radar. You've done well."
Mkhize swallowed hard, nodding. But then the Director leaned forward.
Director: "You sacrificed a lot for these kids. We see that. But understand this is just the beginning. Pressure doesn't end here. It gets heavier."
Mkhize smiled faintly. Pressure? That's my oxygen.
The Notebook Boys' Fate
The boys he had scouted without a license the ones written in his legendary notebook finally had their chance.
Two boys made it through with flying colors, offered official spots.
Three were told to "come back stronger" heartbreak stung, but Mkhize hugged them, whispering:
Mkhize: "Next time, you'll be better. Don't quit."
The WhatsApp kid shocked everyone, dazzling in trials. Coaches whispered about him. Mkhize scribbled fast: "Wildcard. Star potential."
Lwazi's Sundowns Breakthrough
At Sundowns Academy, Lwazi stood in front of his final assessment group. Coaches were stone-faced, clipboards in hand. The drills were merciless 1v1 duels, fitness tests, tactical shape games.
One boy broke down crying. Another walked off the field.
But Lwazi stayed calm, sharp, disciplined. When asked to run sprints after a full match simulation, he didn't complain he pushed harder.
Finally, the head coach called him forward.
Coach: "Son, welcome to Sundowns U16. You've earned it."
Mkhize turned away to hide his tears, fists clenched with pride. He had promised his brother this moment and Lwazi delivered.
Mkhize's Flowers
Back home, Mkhize's phone wouldn't stop buzzing.
Instagram: His page hit 129k followers. Videos of him guiding boys on the sidelines went viral "The Scout Who Fights for Kids."
Parents messaged him, thanking him for believing in their sons.
Even rival scouts grudgingly respected him: "He's different. He cares."
For the first time, Mkhize felt recognized. But he also knew fame could be dangerous. Scouts aren't supposed to be stars the kids are. Still, he let himself smile. These flowers? They're for the boys, not me.
Naledi & Mkhize
That weekend, Naledi invited him to a quiet school field after her team's big win against Spurs in the tournament.
They sat on the grass, away from the noise, sipping energy drinks.
Naledi: "So… the famous Mkhize. Instagram star. 129k fans."
Mkhize (laughing): "It's crazy. I didn't ask for it."
Naledi: "But you deserve it. You fight harder for those kids than anyone else."
There was silence. Then Naledi leaned closer.
Naledi: "But who fights for you?"
The question hit deep. Mkhize stared at her, unsure what to say. For once, he wasn't the mentor, the scout, the strong one. He was just… a man.
They sat in the fading light, shoulders brushing, a tension between them that was as undeniable as it was unspoken.
The Pressure Ahead
Even in this peace, Mkhize knew the next storm was coming:
Chiefs preparing for the GDL season opener.
Sundowns U16 with Lwazi gearing up.
Naledi's team advancing in tournaments.
Schools fighting for spots at Curro, KZN, Cape Town showcases.
And everyone looking at Mkhize the Scout to deliver again.
He whispered to himself:
"It's not about me. It's about them. Always them."
But inside, he knew his journey had only begun.