In this edition of In The Spotlight, former Ajax Cape Town star Mkhanyiseli Siwahla shares the incredible story of how he used to survive by eating people's leftovers at the airport.
Growing up, who was your idol?
"My idol was Jabu Pule. I admired his playing style and height. Living near Cape Town, I first saw him there, which motivated me to pursue football.
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"As kids, we struggled to get by, so we would go to the airport and wait for travelers to finish their meals. We would rush to grab their leftovers and enjoy whatever we could find.
"I first saw Jabu Pule when Kaizer Chiefs had just landed from Johannesburg for an away match."
Is he the player you modeled your game on?
"Yes, absolutely. The way he took on defenders was inspiring. I wanted to be the next Jabu Pule and continue his legacy, but unfortunately, that didn't happen."
Your favourite team?
"Kaizer Chiefs."
Your best friend in football?
"I was close with Anele Ngconga, Ayanda Patosi, and Mark Mayambela, but Patosi was the one I was closest to."
Your favourite player in South Africa?
"Mfundo Vilakazi. That boy is a superstar in the making; he might even become a legend at Kaizer Chiefs."
If you could join any PSL club as a player right now...
"It would be between Kaizer Chiefs, Cape Town City, and Cape Town Spurs. I grew up in Cape Town, so I have a good understanding of Cape Town football.
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"I have also been a lifelong supporter of Kaizer Chiefs."
Have you ever cheated the game?
"I must take responsibility for some of my wrong decisions. Teams have their own rules, and if I had been guided and managed properly at Ajax Cape Town, things might have been different."