When Doctor Khumalo Received the Highest Compliment With Glowing Comparison by Mundial Podcast

• Doctor Khumalo remains a legendary figure in African and International football
• Mundial Magazine's podcast gave the South African midfielder a rousing endorsement
• A 1996 performance against World Champions Brazil reminded a podcaster of a rising star

Great players across the generations have similar archetypal attributes.

Doctor Khumalo is held up as one of the greatest midfielders of his era by South African fans, but the world would only get a glimpse of '16 Valve' from his mid to late twenties.

The Mundial Podcast spoke about Khumalo on Episode 23 of their show, comparing him to Real Madrid's record-breaking English midfielder.

Theophilus Khumalo was born in Soweto and began his career with Moroka Swallows before moving to Kaizer Chiefs. In the Amakhosi's gold and black, he would play 397 games, scoring 75 goals.

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He played 50 matches for his country, including an important role in the only South African side to win the Africa Cup of Nations in 1996.

In a match highlighted by Mundial Podcast, South Africa played 1994 FIFA World Cup winners Brazil at the FNB Stadium, just two months after beating Tunisia in the AFCON final.

Khumalo played in midfield, and the podcasters give an account of '16 Valve's' dominance that evening. Host Owen Blackhurst said:

"The work he does at the base of the midfield is so brave. The player I would liken him most to, currently, is Jude Bellingham. He can do it all. He can do it at the base, he can do it left, do it right, do it in the 10."

The hosts note the origin of his nickname was about a German vehicle, but '16 Valve' refers to a Toyota Corolla TwinCam, which when released around 1990 was praised for its high performance and reliability, and many endure to this day.

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Football

On that night in April 1996, Khumalo scored the second goal as South Africa took a 2-0 half-time lead.

Brazil would fight back to win 3-2, with Bebeto scoring a goal that is seared into South African footballing lore, all while Mario Zagallo mocked Clive Barker's trademark celebration.

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All you need to know about Doctor Khumalo

Sports Brief recently compiled a profile on Doctor Khumalo.

This article highlights the former footballer's personal highlights.

As well as the Amakhosi, Khumalo played for Columbus Crew in the MLS.