In celebrating the great Doctor Khumalo's birthday, PUMA has issued a re-release of his iconic signature boots.
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The story
PUMA South Africa is honouring Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana legend Doctor "16v" Khumalo on his 58th birthday with the re-release of his signature football boot, which starred in winning the League and Cup titles and the memorable 1996 AFCON crown on home soil.
The PUMA Doctor Khumalo 16V signature football boot is a tribute to the legendary player, known as "Doc," who wore it throughout his impressive career.
These classic boots stand alongside the popular Jomo Sono King, as PUMA pays homage to another of its most celebrated football ambassadors.
The name "16V" references Doc's nickname. In 1987, around the time he made his club debut, the iconic Golf GTI 16V was launched in the local market.
Fans compared Doc's playing style to that of a high-performance car, highlighting his exceptional skills and endurance on the field.
"These boots hold special memories for me, so I am honoured that PUMA has chosen to re-release them to the market," noted Khumalo, as quoted in a press release by PUMA SA.
"I hope they resonate with fans and inspire them to go out and create their own magic on the pitch," he added.
"PUMA has a near 40-year relationship with Doc dating to the 1980s, and we have brought the boot back to celebrate his illustrious legacy," said Brett Bellinger, PUMA SA Marketing Director.
"On the pitch, Doc was a fearless artist who knew instinctively his greatness began with the courage to be true to himself. So, while many great footballers are respected for their talent, Doc is one of those select few who is loved," added PUMA SA’s Marketing Director.
The footballing gods smiled upon 16v when allowing him to score the penalty that secured a 1-0 victory over Cameroon in the first match after FIFA readmitted South Africa to the international football scene in 1992. That same year, he received the Footballer of the Year accolade.
He would later earn 50 caps for Bafana Bafana, including winning the CAF Africa Cup of Nations in 1996 and participating in the 1998 FIFA World Cup in France, South Africa's first!
A standout performance on the global stage was when Doc dominated the midfield against the reigning World Cup holders, Brazil, in the 1996 Mandela Cup.
He assisted the first goal and then scored with a volley from the edge of the penalty area. Another impressive display of skill left one of the renowned Brazilian players on the ground; Doc's elegant footwork outshone even the Samba Boys as he initiated a new wave of attack.
"That magical moment against Brazil captures his brilliance," said Bellinger. "An entertainer loved by fans, Doc's talent was always in the service of the team.
"As a midfield playmaker, his pace, power and skill inspired his teammates to perform at their best and reach ever greater heights. That is why Doc is the essence of all that we love about The Beautiful Game."
The PUMA Doctor Khumalo 16V boot will be available from PUMA.com, PUMA Retail stores, Studio 88, Totalsports and Independent stores. Price R899.
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