When City Lads clinched the Engen Knockout Challenge Eastern Cape title, it wasn’t just another trophy for the cabinet. For captain Akholuwe Khundai, it was the reward for months of graft, discipline, and a group of players pulling in the same direction.
Khundai, from Bhayi, has become the heartbeat of the side. Usually stationed in defensive midfield, she’s as reliable as they come, calm on the ball, sharp in the tackle, and always ready to cover for teammates.
In the final, she seemed to be everywhere: snapping into challenges, breaking up play, and stepping into defence when her coach asked without a moment’s hesitation.
“The word ‘can’t’ doesn’t exist for her,” said coach Lumza Mjana. “She adapts naturally and keeps the team focused.”
For Khundai, lifting the regional title carries extra meaning.
“Winning the Engen Knockout Challenge is a proud moment for us as a team, and as a woman in football, it means even more,” she said. “We’re grateful to Engen for the platform, and now we want to go to the Engen Champ of Champs and represent the Eastern Cape with pride.”
Her leadership is quiet but powerful. She isn’t one for big speeches, but her composure sets the tone in tight moments, guiding younger teammates and showing a knack for reading the game before it unfolds.
Small in stature but with a big presence, Khundai leads by example in training too, raising standards through sheer work rate. Her teammates know she has their backs, and her community sees her as an inspiration.
With the Engen Champ of Champs coming up in October, City Lads will lean heavily on their captain. And if recent performances are anything to go by, Khundai will be ready.
During Women’s Month, Akholuwe Khundai’s journey perfectly captures the spirit of It’s Her Moment.
