“I Can Smell A Goal”: How Mkhize Swapped AmaZulu For Nedbank Cup Folklore

Durban City defender Mfanafuthi Mkhize is still wearing the smile of a man who knows his name is etched in history.

Two weeks ago, the former AmaZulu man transitioned from a fringe player to a KZN legend as City lifted the Nedbank Cup.

Mkhize, who famously dropped down a division in search of game time, proved his worth on May 2 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium.

With City trailing TS Galaxy 1-0 following a Jean Lwamba own goal, Mkhize ghosted to the back post to fire home a crucial set-piece equalizer.

Lwamba later redeemed himself with a stunning winner, securing City’s maiden major trophy and a R7 million windfall.

“This means a lot to me, especially because it was such a big game for us,” said Mkhize, as the club was honoured during a Gala Dinner organised by the KZN Department of Sports on Sunday.

“My parents were there watching me play, and the whole of KZN was watching as well. To score at such a crucial moment means a lot to me because now I’m part of the club’s history.

“It has been a long time since a KwaZulu-Natal club last won a trophy, and now that we have done it, my name is there as someone who scored in the final. Even now, I’m still proud of what we achieved in that match.”

The triumph ended a 17-year trophy drought for KwaZulu-Natal clubs, dating back to Golden Arrows’ 6-0 demolition of Ajax Cape Town in the 2009 MTN8.

While Mkhize is primarily known for his rock-solid partnership with Sphamandla Ncanana at center-back, his attacking instinct in the final surprised many.

“I can smell a goal,” laughed Mkhize, who has played 31 matches and scored twice in all competitions for City.

“It was a set piece, and normally I stay back to hold the line. But when the ball went past everyone, it found me alone, and I told myself, ‘Finish this off, Mkhize.’

“Then I scored. I think that position suited me well.”

Durban City, currently seventh in the league, now shift their focus to playing kingmakers.

They face title-chasers Orlando Pirates at the Orlando Amstel Arena this Saturday before a highly anticipated season finale against Mkhize’s former side, AmaZulu, at Chatsworth Stadium on May 23.