Kabelo's First Day at Kaizer Chiefs Trials
The Naturena training ground was buzzing. Bright yellow kits, neatly lined cones, and the sharp smell of cut grass. Academy boys stretched, their boots spotless, while Kabelo stood at the edge, nervous, second-hand boots laced tight.
Whispers spread.
Player 1:
"Who's the kasi boy?"
Player 2:
"Looks like he just walked in from five-a-side. No way he survives here."
Mkhize stood by the touchline, notebook in hand, arms folded. He knew Kabelo wasn't polished, but his instincts were something these boys didn't have.
The trial began. Drills. Passing patterns. One-touch rondos. Kabelo struggled at first — heavy touches, wrong timing, coaches frowning.
Mkhize's stomach dropped. Don't choke, boy.
Then came the small-sided game. 7v7. This was Kabelo's world.
Ball at his feet, two defenders lunged. He nutmegged the first, feinted left, cut inside, blasted a shot top corner. The whole pitch stopped. Even the coaches raised eyebrows.
Minutes later, he intercepted a pass, sprinted down the wing, crossed perfectly for a header. Goal.
The whispers changed.
Player 1:
"Wait… he's actually good."
Coach (to Director):
"Rough, but fearless. That's rare."
Mkhize scribbled furiously in his notebook, trying not to grin. Kabelo had just announced himself at Naturena.
But as the session ended, the Academy Director pulled Mkhize aside.
Director:
"He's talented, but raw. Discipline, fitness, teamwork all lacking. This is your boy. If he fails, it's your head."
Mkhize nodded. He was ready to bet it all.
Chapter – Naledi's Final: Gauteng vs Free State
The stadium was packed for the provincial schools final. Families, scouts, even local journalists filled the stands. Naledi's heart pounded as her girls lined up.
The Free State team was physical, tall, and ruthless. Early on, they bullied Gauteng's midfield, scoring a header in the 15th minute. 1–0.
Naledi adjusted quickly, screaming instructions.
Naledi:
"Play wide! Use the wings! Don't get stuck in the middle!"
Her girls responded fast counters, overlapping runs. In the 35th minute, a Gauteng winger burned down the line, crossed low. Tap-in. 1–1.
Halftime. The air was thick. Scouts scribbled in their books, some already circling Naledi's name.
Second half. Free State pressed harder. A crunching tackle left one of Gauteng's defenders limping. Naledi made a risky call subbing in a 14-year-old rookie.
Crowd murmured. Too young. Too risky.
But in the 75th minute, the rookie intercepted a pass, launched a long ball. The striker sprinted onto it, lobbed the keeper. Goal! 2–1.
The stadium erupted. Naledi clenched her fists.
Final minutes Free State threw everything forward. Last attack. Cross whipped in. Header. Off the bar. Clearance. Whistle blows.
Full-time: Gauteng 2–1 Free State. Champions.
The girls piled on each other, crying, screaming. Reporters swarmed Naledi. Cameras flashed.
Journalist:
"Coach Naledi, you've just led Gauteng to the trophy at only 22 years old. What's next?"
Naledi smiled, sweat glistening.
Naledi:
"Next? This is just the beginning."
Closing Beat
That night, Mkhize scrolled his phone. Kabelo's clips from Naturena were already circulating. Views climbing. People calling him "the kasi baller Chiefs didn't see coming."
At the same time, Naledi's face was all over Twitter: "Young female coach wins provincial trophy."
Two journeys. One mission. And somehow, their paths were intertwined tighter than ever.