Doctor Khumalo Shares His Bold Opinions on Thabo Cele, Mofokeng vs Appollis, Aden McCarthy, and the Current State of the Betway Premiership
South African football legend Doctor Khumalo has never been one to shy away from sharing his views, and in his latest appearance on a popular sports panel, the iconic midfielder sparked plenty of debate with his forthright analysis of some of the country’s brightest young talents.
Touching on the controversial debate between Relebohile Mofokeng and Oswin Appollis, Khumalo also offered sharp insights into Thabo Cele’s growth, Aden McCarthy’s potential, and the overall competitiveness of the Betway Premiership.
The first talking point of the conversation centered around Thabo Cele, the 27-year-old midfielder currently playing in Europe.
Cele, who has had stints in Poland and Portugal, continues to divide opinion among local fans—some of whom believe he should be a regular starter for Bafana Bafana, while others remain unconvinced by his overseas performances.
Khumalo, however, came to his defense.
He praised Cele for his maturity, tactical awareness, and physical presence, noting that his European experience gives him an edge over many of his peers in South Africa.
“Thabo Cele brings something different,” Khumalo said.
“He may not be flashy, but he plays with discipline and understands the game at a deeper level.
We need players like him who can absorb pressure and keep things simple in midfield.”
Khumalo emphasized that Cele’s performances might not always grab headlines, but his work often goes unnoticed—covering spaces, breaking up opposition attacks, and linking play.
He added that if Cele continues on this path, he could become a vital cog in South Africa’s long-term midfield plans, especially as the national team looks to build for future tournaments.
Then came the question that has stirred debate in almost every football fan circle—who is better: Relebohile Mofokeng or Oswin Appollis?
Both youngsters have been standout performers in the 2024/2025 season, with Mofokeng dazzling at Orlando Pirates and Appollis putting in consistent shifts for Polokwane City.
Khumalo approached the comparison with caution but offered a clear stance.
“They’re both incredibly talented,” he began, “but they offer different things.
Mofokeng is flair, unpredictability, and raw brilliance.
He’ll take on three defenders without thinking twice.
Appollis, on the other hand, is more controlled, structured, and composed in decision-making.”
Still, when pressed to pick who is currently ahead in terms of development and impact, Khumalo leaned slightly in Mofokeng’s favor.
“Right now, Mofokeng edges it.
He’s playing at a bigger club with more pressure, and he’s handling it well.
That tells me a lot about his mentality and hunger.”
However, he warned against overhyping young players too quickly.
He stressed the importance of mentorship, game time, and the right attitude, adding that both players have the potential to be future stars for the national team if they remain grounded and focused.
Another name that entered the discussion was Aden McCarthy, the son of Bafana Bafana legend Benni McCarthy.
Aden has recently attracted attention for his performances at youth level, and many are wondering whether he has the talent to live up to his famous surname.
Doctor Khumalo offered a measured but optimistic take.
“It’s always tough being the child of a legend,” he said.
“The expectations are sky-high before you’ve even touched the ball.
But from what I’ve seen, Aden has good movement, technical ability, and the right attitude.”
He acknowledged that it’s still early days in McCarthy’s career, and much will depend on how he handles pressure and develops physically and mentally.
“It’s not just about talent,” Khumalo added.
“It’s about consistency, work ethic, and surrounding yourself with the right people.
If he gets that right, we could be talking about him in the PSL very soon.”
Finally, the conversation turned to the state of the Betway Premiership as a whole.
Khumalo did not hold back in his analysis of South Africa’s top flight.
He praised the league for its competitiveness and unpredictability but called for improvements in several key areas.
“There’s talent in abundance, no question,” he said.
“But what we lack at times is tactical discipline and consistency from coaches.
Too many teams play with emotion instead of structure.”
He also touched on the importance of youth development and gave credit to clubs like SuperSport United and Stellenbosch FC for giving young players a real platform.
Khumalo expressed concern over some clubs still favoring foreign imports with little pedigree over nurturing homegrown talent.
“We have stars right here in our townships and academies.
Let’s polish them instead of always looking outside.”
In addition, Khumalo raised eyebrows with a subtle critique of refereeing standards and decision-making in the league, suggesting that officiating must improve if the PSL wants to be respected across Africa.
“If we want to compete with the likes of Morocco and Egypt at club level, we must raise our standards across the board—from facilities to officiating to management.”
Throughout the discussion, Doctor Khumalo’s deep knowledge and passion for South African football were evident.
As a player who once embodied the heart and soul of the national team, his voice carries weight, and his insights continue to influence how the local game is perceived.
Whether it’s young stars like Mofokeng and Appollis, rising names like Aden McCarthy, or veterans like Thabo Cele, Khumalo’s words always ignite conversation.
In a football culture hungry for growth and success, having legends like Doctor Khumalo remain part of the conversation is not only refreshing—it’s essential.
