CAPE TOWN, South Africa —
While the world was focused on the final years of the Cold War and the global Anti-Apartheid struggle during the 1980s, few could have anticipated that a new star of “The Beautiful Game” would be born in South Africa.
For those of us who entered the world of football in any capacity during that decade—or were young footballers or supporters—we can look back with pride and joy, knowing we were part of the generation that embraced the sport just as Doctor Khumalo began his professional soccer career in 1986.
Although the “Good Doc” only played his first official match for Kaizer Chiefs in January 1987, the year 1986 can be considered the dawn of a new era for South African football. It marked the rise of one of the country’s finest sons—Doctor Khumalo—who would go on to positively impact generations on and off the field.
In 1996, Doc participated in the inaugural Major League Soccer All-Star Game in the United States, showcasing his talent on a global stage.
More recently, demonstrating his business savvy, Khumalo signed on as a brand ambassador for Ford Motor Company. He also featured in the third video of the PUMA “Run The Streets” campaign.
Wearing classic PUMA Suedes and a T7 Vintage Track Suit in striking yellow and black, Doc shared memories of his early days:
“You know, it was not an easy ride… the thing that kept us going was getting that soccer ball and kicking it around.”
“When I talk to the youngsters, I tell them that if they really want to achieve, there’s only one way of doing it: it’s believing in yourself. No one else can pave the way except you, as an individual.”
The 2018 PUMA Run The Streets campaign highlighted up-and-coming street hustlers and legendary figures who looked back to inspire a new generation. It explored how the hustle has adapted to shifts in culture, industry, and street life.
A Legend Is Born
Theophilus Doctorson “Doctor” Khumalo was born on June 26, 1967, in Soweto. Known affectionately as “16V,” PUMA even named a boot after him in the 1980s—the Doctor Khumalo 16V. Another nickname, “DK,” comes from his initials.
Khumalo began his senior soccer journey in 1984 with Moroka Swallows Reserves before joining the Kaizer Chiefs junior team. He was mentored by his father, Eliakim “Pro” Khumalo—a respected player and three-time championship-winning coach from the 1970s and early 1980s, who also played for Swallows and Chiefs.
In 1987, Romanian-born Kaizer Chiefs coach Ted Dumitru promoted Doc to the senior team. His debut came against the Chiefs’ archrivals, Orlando Pirates. He quickly became a star and would remain with Kaizer Chiefs throughout his South African professional career.
In the 1990s, Doc ventured overseas. In 1993, he joined English Premier League side Aston Villa. He later signed with FIFA agent Marcelo Houseman, who arranged a six-month stint at Argentinian club Ferro Carril Oeste in 1995. In 1996, Khumalo joined the Columbus Crew in Major League Soccer (USA), where he eventually captained the team.
Career Highlights
The 1990s were the high point of Khumalo’s career:
- He helped Kaizer Chiefs win three South African league titles and five knockout trophies, including triples in both 1991 and 1992.
- Voted South African Footballer of the Year in 1992.
- Played 397 league and cup games for Kaizer Chiefs, scoring 75 goals.
- In total, he scored 81 goals, including those for overseas clubs.
Following South Africa’s re-admission to FIFA in 1992, Khumalo was selected for the country’s first official international match in July—against Cameroon. South Africa won 1–0, thanks to a penalty converted by Doc.
He was a key member of the team that won the 1996 African Nations Cup, and he also represented South Africa in the 1998 FIFA World Cup. Over his international career, Doc earned 50 caps (serving as captain twice) and scored nine goals, making him the 13th most capped South African footballer of all time.
Life After the Game
Khumalo retired from playing in 2002 and officially stepped away in 2004. That same year, he co-coached Kaizer Chiefs alongside Donald “Ace” Khuse, guiding the team to a 12-game unbeaten streak and winning the PSL Coach of the Month award jointly.
Since then, Doc has worn many hats:
- Television soccer commentator and presenter
- Coach of South Africa’s Under-17 national team
- Head coach of Kaizer Chiefs U-17 team
- Assistant coach of Kaizer Chiefs
- Technical Director at Baroka FC
Khumalo holds several coaching qualifications, including:
- SAFA Level 1, 2, and 3 coaching licenses
- English FA license (2005)
- UEFA B license (via the German Football Federation, 2007)
Off the Field
Doctor Khumalo made his acting debut in the German/South African film Themba, based on the novel by Lutz van Dijk. In it, he plays himself as the U-21 coach. The movie tells the story of a determined young footballer who overcomes poverty, illness, and violence to make the national team. It premiered at Berlinale 2010.
Khumalo also serves as a soccer analyst for multiple media outlets, including SABC, and his column in Soccer Laduma remains the most-read page in African sports media.
He is a sought-after public speaker and continues to receive numerous awards and honors for his contributions to football and community development.
His philanthropic efforts date back to his playing days and include launching various sports development programs—not just in soccer but also in netball. One notable initiative is the Doctor Khumalo Youth Upliftment Through Sports Program, run in conjunction with the Healing Africa Foundation.
Photo by News24.
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