Young Thembisa footballer, 8, joins Tuks Academy with dreams of going pro
The young talent recently joined the Tuks Junior Academy and is showing no signs of slowing down. Khanyisa began playing soccer at the age of six with Wits Junior Football Club.
At eight years old, Thembisa’s Khanyisa Mhlambi is already making a name for himself on the soccer field.
The young talent recently joined the Tuks Junior Academy and is showing no signs of slowing down.
Khanyisa began playing soccer at the age of six with Wits Junior Football Club.
Recognising his passion and talent for the sport, his father, Mxolisi Nzimande, enrolled him in extra soccer lessons at Supersport School Kyalami during the 2023 and 2024 seasons.
ALSO READ: Birch Acres Primary makes mark in football finals
There, Khanyisa worked hard to master the basics and improve his skills, earning recognition when he won King of the Court during the 2024 season.
In January 2025, Khanyisa’s dedication paid off when he joined the Tuks U9 team after successfully passing trials at the academy.
His father took him to the trials, where the young star impressed the coaches with his skill and discipline.
Khanyisa has clear goals for his future.
“My role model is Lamine Yamal from FC Barcelona,” he shared.
“He inspires me to work hard and believe in myself.”
“When asked if he sees himself pursuing anything other than soccer, Khanyisa’s answer was simple: “I only want to be a professional footballer.”
He explained that his love for the sport began when he started watching Cristiano Ronaldo’s videos on YouTube, which fuelled his dream of becoming a professional player within the next 10 years.
ALSO READ: Ridgewood Primary triumphs over Norkem Park in U12 football showdown
His favourite local team is Mamelodi Sundowns, and on a national level, he proudly supports Bafana Bafana.
Raising a child with big dreams comes with its challenges, and Mxolisi acknowledges the sacrifices involved in supporting his son’s journey.
“The biggest challenge is balancing work and his training. I usually leave work early, pick him up from school, and rush to his soccer practices. It’s a sacrifice, but it’s worth it,” said Nzimande.
“When I saw his love for soccer, I knew I had to support him in every way. Seeing him play for Tuks feels amazing. It’s just the beginning, and I believe something bigger is coming,” he added.
Mxolisi hopes to see Khanyisa grow not only as a soccer player but as a young man with strong values, who will one day play for the Tuks first team in the National First Division before making his mark in the Betway Premier League.
