South African national team star Doctor Khumalo is the first player allocated to the Columbus Crew, MLS announced Dec. 21.
“It’s a big challenge for me to leave my country to play overseas,” said the 28-year-old midfielder. “But it is what I have yearned for the past couple of years. I will have to prove myself to the soccer fans of this country, but I am confident they will come to appreciate my style of play. I am also very excited to be coming to the United States and to Columbus.”
Khumalo made his debut for South African powerhouse Kaizer Chiefs in 1987, and was a member of its 1989, 1991, and 1992 national championship teams. He won the South African Footballer of the Year award in 1992.
In addition to his nine seasons with Kaizer, Khumalo has spent time with Ferro Carril Oeste of Argentina’s first division, and has appeared in 27 full internationals since 1992.
“We are thrilled to have a player of Doctor’s skill to build our team around,” said Columbus head coach Timo Liekoski. “He is a tremendous player, a creative midfielder who makes his teammates better players. He will be a great fit for the Crew.”
“The Doctor” is a popular figure off the field as well, as he sports his own line of clothing and his own soccer shoe. He is also a reggae recording artist.
“The Doctor is going to be an icon in the Columbus community,” said Crew general manager Jamey Rootes. “The fans will love his attacking flair, his technical brilliance, and his dynamic personality. Wherever he has gone in the world, he has been effective and popular, both on and off the field…we will begin building our team with his strengths in mind.”