With a career spanning over a decade, Khuzwayo has not only proven his talent on the field, but also become a role model and source of inspiration for many young people in his community. Ulwazi Magazine interviewed Mr Brilliant Khuzwayo to find out more about him. 

What drives you to wake up in the morning?

The desire to be better than I was yesterday. Coming from a township where everything is against you pushes me towards success. I push myself and so that others will see that anything is possible. 

Tell us about your experience growing up in the township? 

Growing up in Umlazi wasn’t always easy. I had to navigate a lot of challenges and obstacles to pursue my dream of playing soccer. There were times when I didn’t have access to proper training facilities or equipment, and I had to make do with whatever was available. I also had to deal with the dangers of living in a high-crime area, which sometimes made it difficult to focus on my passion for the game. However, playing soccer was my escape from all the negativity around me. It gave me a sense of purpose and a reason to keep pushing forward, despite the odds. Despite the challenges, growing up in the hood also taught me resilience, determination, and the importance of hard work. These are qualities that have served me well both on and off the  field. Ultimately, I believe that my experiences growing up have made me a better soccer player and a stronger person overall.

Tell us about your soccer career? 

Describe how you ended up playing for big teams in the PSL? It all started as young kids playing in the streets and was inspired by Brian Baloyi who was a Kaizer Chiefs FC goalkeeper. I pushed through the ranks. Didn’t have anything else in mind besides becoming the best player that KZN has ever produced. You need a lot of discipline, passion, dedication, perseverance and love for the beautiful football game. Being able to listen, be teachable and coachable. It is very important for a young superstar to have all these fundamental in them so they can make it in top flight football.

What advice would you give a young kid from Umlazi that wants to be the next Brilliant Khuzwayo? 

The advice I would give the next superstars is they must follow their intuition but also focus on their academics so they can balance their lives. Football is a short career and nothing is promised. They need to fall into something if they don’t make it.

In your opinion, what do you think is the biggest mistake made by young soccer players? 

What are some of the things that kill their potential? They focus on wrong things at an early age. Football needs total discipline and focus. Drugs and alcohol had destroyed so many dreams.

What advice would you give the youth of Umlazi?  

The brilliant advice I can give the young of Umlazi is they must find good mentors and try to learn from them. There are so many opportunities out in this world and it is up to them to change the narrative of Umlazi and make Umlazi great again. Brilliant Khuzwayo is also the founder of Brilliant Khuzwayo, an organization that aims to support and develop the next generation of soccer players. He is also an ambassador for MTN8 and the COSAFA Cup. He also hopes to soon launch the Brilliant Khuzwayo Soccer Academy to provide young aspiring soccer players with access to top-notch training, guidance, and resources that will help them develop their skills and achieve their goals in the sport. 

Instagram: @thebrillian__one Facebook: Brilliant Khuzwayo