In the vibrant realm of South African football, few players manage to etch their names into the annals of history, transcending the sport to become legends.
These individuals not only captivated audiences with their remarkable talent on the pitch but also inspire generations with their unwavering commitment to the beautiful game.
Their skill, vision, and determination keep fans on the edge of their seats, leaving an indelible mark on both the sport and the hearts of those who witnessed their greatness. Even after their final whistle blows, their influence continues to be felt, shaping the next wave of South African stars and keeping their legacies alive in the stories fans tell.
IOL Sport takes you on a nostalgic journey to revisit five extraordinary footballers whose performances have become the stuff of folklore, embodying the passion, resilience, and artistry that define South African football.
Doctor Khumalo
It was in the late 1980s and 1990s that South African footballers fell in love with one of the most technically gifted footballers this country has ever seen.
With his trademark number 15 on his back, Khumalo use to bring a sense of calm to everyone watching when he had the ball at his feet.
When South Africa was readmitted into international football, it was natural that Khumalo would be selected. In the Bafana Bafana jersey, he was at his best. He was Bafana’s chief playmaker at the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations, and it was his interception against Congo that led to Phil Masinga’s goal that sent Clive Barker’s men to the France 1998 FIFA World Cup.
And who can forget the game between Bafana Bafana and Brazil in Soweto in 1996? Bafana raced into a 2-0 half-time lead thanks to Khumalo's influence, but ended up falling 3-2 to the then world champions when the 16V was substituted at half time.
Jabu Pule (Mahlangu)
When Doctor Khumalo was reaching the twilight years of his career, a young Jabu Pule, who later changed his surname to Mahlangu, started to make a name for himself at Kaizer Chiefs.
Chiefs fans love themselves some skillful Kasi flavour, and the teenage Mahlangu had all of it. He was simply breathtaking to watch as he left opponents on their bums and fans on their feet. At full flight, he could change games on his own, such was his talent.
On the international stage, he played at the 2000 Sydney Olympic games, and 2002 World Cup in South Korea and Japan. He started in midfield when South Africa beat a Brazil team that featured the likes of Ronaldinho and Edu 3-1 in Brisbane at the Olympics.
Unfortunately, the youngster could not handle the bright lights of stardom and struggled with alcohol and drug addiction.
Emmanuel ‘Scara’ Ngobese
Emmanuel Scara Ngobese was not everybody’s cup of tea. His Kasi flava style of football kept fans coming back to the stadium.
Ngobese played his best football under Ted Dumitru at Chiefs as the South American coach gave him freedom and encouraged him to express himself on the pitch. The midfielder accepted the challenge and played a starring role as Amakhosi pipped rivals Orlando Pirates to the league title.
After Dumitru left Chiefs, it was downhill for the talented playmaker. Ernst Middendorp kept him out of the team for an entire season. Ngobese eventually left Chiefs to join Thanda Royal Zulu. At the KZN club, Ngobese was spent a significant time on the sidelines after being diagnosed with tuberculosis.
And in 2010, a month away from the kick of the World Cup in South Africa, he died from an HIV related illness. He was just 29.
Despite being at the top of his game for just a short time, his ability to entertain with the ball at his feet is still remembered fondly to this day by football fans across South Africa.
Isaac ‘Shakes’ Kungwane
Shakes Kungwane was a joy to watch. He looked like he belonged on the rugby field, but his ability with the ball at his feet left many defenders mesmerised.
During the 90s, he was the type of player you expected to see in a Kaizer Chiefs jersey. He had style, was full of tricks, kept fans on their feet and his teammates on their toes.
Unfortunately, he never could break into the national team, but he entertained local crowds throughout his career for Chiefs, Manning Rangers, Jomo Cosmos and others. Kungwane passed away in 2014 after struggling with diabetes. He was a lively and entertaining football pundit at the time of his death.
Teko Modise
Had Teko Modise played in a different era, he would have been recognised as the greatest footballer this country has ever produced. At his best, the General was second to none. He could turn in any direction at the drop of a hat, and could spot teammates in open positions from anywhere on the field.
He spent most of his career at Mamelodi Sundowns, but it was at Orlando Pirates that he played his best football. Modise was simply an unstoppable genius and could have played anywhere in the world.
While at Pirates, was linked with a number of Premier League clubs like Manchester City – before they were super rich – and Aston Villa, but the move never came.
After failing to win the league title with Pirates, Modise eventually tasted success with Sundowns, winning it twice, in 2013/14 and 2015/16. He later took his talents to Cape Town City, and turned the fledgling club into title contenders in just their first season in existence.
On the international stage, he was the face of Bafana Bafana in the build up to the 2010 World Cup. Modise was truly a marvelous talent.
Possibly even better than Doctor Khumalo.
IOL Sport