In this edition of In The Spotlight KickOff catches up with former Black Leopards and Jomo Cosmos goalkeeper Walter Khumalo.
Growing up, who was your idol?
"John Tlale. He was a good shot-stopper and a gentleman in football. Everything he does-he does it with a passion."
Is he the goalkeeper you modeled your game on?
"That was my biggest wish. I wanted to do everything exactly the way he did. When the chips are down Tlale would rise to the occasion."
Your favourite player in the current generation?
"Is none other than Shikabala. Themba Zwane. He makes things happen. He is the Lionel Messi of Sundowns. It's just that some of the coaches don't see things the way we do."
Your best friend in football?
"My best friend was Chris Katongo. We met at Jomo Cosmos. After training, he would ask me to remain with him behind to practice set pieces, distribution, and crosses.
"There was a game we played against Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium, he scored three goals through my distribution."
What is your favourite PSL club?
"Orlando Pirates. My uncle was a big Pirates fan. There was a stage where I was at Black Leopards, and Pirates were fighting for the league title; they had players like the late Lesley Manyathela and Jimmy Kauleza. It was my first game for Leopards, I even saved a penalty. We beat them 1-0."
If you were allowed to join a team of your choice as a player, which would you choose?
"Orlando Pirates. They are the only team that is still playing true South African football. This is the only team in the PSL that allows players to use their strength."
Anything you dislike about football?
"What I dislike is the thing of people selling their teams now and then, it's harmful to the players."
What attracted you to the game?
"I was born into a football-loving family; my father's elder brother owned a team, and my uncle was a goalkeeper."
