Legendary, Doctor Khumalo took time on Friday to visit his former school Daliwonga High in Dube, Soweto where the school was honouring the Matric Class of 2012.

The Dube born Khumalo became a household name as a learner at Daliwonga after making his debut for Kaizer Chiefs while at the school.

It was clear driving to Soweto that the legend knows the street corners and the first stop was at DubaDuba; “This is a shop where we used to buy ‘amagwinya and kota’ and it is quite amazing that they still sell the same stuff today,” said Doctor interacting with the staffers of the shop.

The welcome at the school was a resounding one as the school was welcoming back their hero and Doctor took kaizerchiefs.com back to the year 1986, “It was here where I played my best football. I remember back in 1986 we were playing a school from Meadowlands, Mokgome High. I arrived late as I had a wrong time.

“I was introduced as a second half substitute; it must have been five minutes into the second half. On that day the stadium where we used to play in Dube was packed. The locals had even hijacked the trucks that sell coal for people to sit on top of them to get a better view of the game. There was a little bit of panic as we were trailing by 3-0.

“I came in, made a few touches and took matters into my own hands by dribbling past the whole defence before putting the ball in the back of the net, 3-1. Paul Motaung who was already playing at Chiefs was also playing in that game. I created the second goal and we got an equaliser.

I was on song on the day we end up beating the school 5-3. I also have good memories of the Milk Cup that we played in Durban where we beat everyone we met. My coach, Mr Mebra was very proud that day,” said a visibly emotional Khumalo.

On his arrival Doctor was welcomed by the school principal Mr Godzwana; “We are honoured that you have taken time out from your schedule to be with us this afternoon.

Khumalo who was accompanied by Media Relations Officer, Luthando Zibeko congratulated the students that had put the school on the map by becoming no. 4 in the district out of 59 schools; “It was not like this when we were here. The ride was a bit bumpy. I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate you for the job well done. I am standing here and very proud as a former student of this school.

“If it was not for the likes of Mrs Mabandla (one of the retired teachers who had attended the ceremony), the likes of Mr Mebra and all my teachers, I would not be where I am today. I would like to say thank you to you, my former teachers for disciplining us and making sure that we toe the line.

Khumalo claimed that he was always neat at school; “I was always neat during my school years, clean shirt, trouser ironed nicely, shoes shining and of course my perm just fine,” he added with laughter.

“I want to leave you with four factors to succeed in football but also applicable in life generally and you should take with as you go to university; a) The Social Factor: it is important that you look at whom you befriend b.) Physical Capacity: If you want to succeed you must look after your health c.) Technique: The application of what you have learnt during your time here is very important and lastly, d.) Mental Strength: It is important to be strong mentally because the higher you go the tougher it becomes.

Khumalo in conjunction with the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture donated a playing kit to the school; “I raised this visit with the Minister of Sports, Fikile Mbalula in passing and thanks to him for this donation.

I hope this gesture will inspire you on the field this year and continue to excel both in sports and follow what the Class of 2012 achieved. I would also like to call on you to support Bafana Bafana during the African Cup of Nations,” added Khumalo.

Khumalo continued to hug and greet all his former teachers for what will remain as one of the school’s favourite son. Doc Khumalo went on after a memorable period at Daliwonga to win the league titles with Kaizer Chiefs and became the first player to score a goal for Bafana Bafana when they returned to international football in 1992. He won the Africa Cup of Nations with Bafana Bafana in 1996 and Mandela Cup with Kaizer Chiefs in 2001.

Today as an assistant coach to Stuart Baxter he is hoping to add another feather to his glittering career by guiding Kaizer Chiefs to win the league championship this season, “This is the year for us to Reclaim the Glory,” concluded Khumalo.