Q&A – Sphelele Mkhulise
Skilful and enigmatic forward Sphelele Mkhulise is under the spotlight this week as we get to know the 23-year-old Downs youth product from Pietermaritzburg.
Mosimane an avid fan of the young “Pitso” has turned many raw talents into refined performers, as the Brazilians coach — all of them Premier Soccer League player of the season nominees or winners — including Bongani Zungu‚ Percy Tau and Keagan Dolly.
“He reminds me of how Percy came up, and you know I’m a conservative coach. I probably would have kept Percy a bit longer. Even with Bongani Zungu and Keagan Dolly I said: ‘One more year’ [before their move to Europe].”
‘Pitso’ who came through the ranks at the Sundowns academy, like Tau, had to go away on loan to get some game-time and gain experience at Black Leopards.
Mkhulise did so in the 2016/17 season before joining Richards Bay the following year, which he believes was the turning point in his career.
“Even Percy was sent away on loan and came back as a better player and became a regular in the first team.”
The Maritzburg-born Mkhulise is inspired by Tau, who is making waves in Europe this season.
The youngster has broken into the Brazilian first team this season, having featured in the Brazilian Starting XI that lifted the Telkom Knockout trophy back in December.
Catch the full interview on our Official YouTube channel.
