Helman Mkhalele

Helman Nkosiyethu Mkhalele (born 20 October 1969) is a South African former soccer player who played as a midfielder.  Revered for his explosive pace and dazzling dribbling skills, Mkhalele played a crucial role in South Africa's spirited performances, bringing flair and attacking prowess to the squad. His relentless energy and ability to glide past defenders made him a constant threat on the wings. With standout performances that showcased his talent and passion for the game, Mkhalele remains a beloved figure in the hearts of Bafana Bafana fans. His nickname was Midnight Express. They gave him this name because he was black and fast. Widely regarded as one of the best South African football players ever. 

Club career
He made his debut in adult football in 1990 with performances for the team of the club "Jomo Cosmos", in which he spent two seasons, taking part in 97 league matches. With his play for this team, he attracted the attention of representatives of the coaching staff of the Orlando Pirates club, which he joined in 1993. He played for the team from the suburbs of Johannesburg for the next four seasons of his playing career. During 1997-1998, he defended the colors of the Kayserispor team. In 1998, he signed a contract with the Ankaragucu club, where he spent the next two years of his playing career. Most of the time spent with Ankaragucu, he was the main player of the team. Subsequently, from 2001 to 2005, he played as part of the teams of the clubs Göztepe and Malatyaspor. In 2005, he returned to the Jomo Cosmos club, for which he played 3 seasons. He finished his professional career as a football player with performances for the Jomo Cosmos team in 2008.

International career
Mkhalele played 66 times for South Africa's national football team and scored 8 goals. He was also part of the squad that traveled to France in 1998 for the 1998 FIFA World Cup. In 1996, he was part of the Bafana squad that won the 1996 Africa Cup of Nations. He made his debut against Ghana on November 26, 1994, when he was 25 years and 37 days old. He played his last international match on 5 May 2001 against Zimbabwe when he was 31 years and 197 days. His international career lasted 6 years and 160 days. 

There are several neighbourhoods in South Africa that are named after him; one suburb is Mkhelele (also called Evaton West) in Evaton which is located in the south of Johannesburg. 

After retirement
Mkhalele got a job as a facilitator at KBC Health and Safety Company. He owned a furniture business, and acquired a teachers' diploma at the Soweto College. He also became coach of the National under 20 coach football team.

There are several neighbourhoods in South Africa that are named after him; one suburb is Mkhelele (also called Evaton West) in Evaton which is located in the south of Johannesburg. 

Honours
Club
South African Championship (NSL): 1994
South African Cup: 1990, 1996
South African League Cup: 2005
CAF Champions League: 1995
CAF Super Cup: 1996

International
1996 African Cup of Nations
1998 African Cup of Nations: Runner-up
2000 African Cup of Nations: Third place

References

Category:1969 births
Category:Living people
Category:Sportspeople from Newcastle, KwaZulu-Natal
Category:Soccer players from KwaZulu-Natal
Category:South African men's soccer players
Category:South Africa men's international soccer players