In the heat of summer 1986, Doctor Theophilus Khumalo at the tender age of seventeen, was brought onto the field of play as a substitute and it did not take long for him to stamp his authority on the game and become a household name in South African football.

Doctor has been through thick and thin with the Amakhosi and indeed the start of his playing career was a time when the club was rebuilding after losing the bulk of its championship team of 1984.

So with his birthday today turning 40-years-old, we say happy birthday to a Chiefs demi-god and one of South Africa’s most gifted footballers of all times.

And after bringing down the curtain on what was arguably the most celebrated football icons in the country, spanning a solid 18 years of keeping fans, both Chiefs and those who backed the opposition, enthralled with his dazzling skills, 16V, who is now a development coach at Chiefs, deserves all the accolades.

“Doctor is an inspiration to South African football. He has done a lot for our football and deserves all the best. They say life starts at 40 and I am for him. He played with passion and as a former teammate, I vividly remembers his contribution for Chiefs,” said Chiefs stalwart Ntsie Maphike.

“To him and his family, happy birthday and may you grow to achieve more in your blossoming coaching career. Here at Chiefs we are proud to have been associated with such an enigma like you”.