Former striker Phumlani Mkhize has explained how he became good friends with the Kaizer Chiefs' fan favourite and a top player at the time, Jabu Mahlangu who was known as Jabu Pule in those days.
Following his switch from Orlando Pirates in 2001, Mkhize surprised many with his move to Amakhosi after signing a two-year contract in September of that year under Muhsin Ertugral who was the club's head coach at the time.
Mkhize had been Chiefs' target since his days at African Wanderers, but the Soweto giants were beaten to his signature by their rivals when they tried to bring him to Naturena along with his former teammate Siyabonga Nomvethe in 1998.
It was in his first season with Amakhosi during the 2001/02 campaign that the club won four trophies; the Vodacom Challenge, BP Top Eight, Coca-Cola Cup and the African Cup Winners' Cup, which led to the team's then PRO Putco Mafani coming up with the slogan 'Operation vat Alles', although Mkhize has other fond memories about the relationships he had with the likes of Stanton 'Stiga' Fredericks, David Kannemyer and Shuffle.
"I enjoyed my time with Chiefs although I wasn't at the club for too long and I made some friends, and I'm talking about guys like Stanton, Kannemeyer and I was very close to Jabu. We were always in each other's company, and I enjoyed myself at the club. Jabu is a very humble guy who was cool to be around. We enjoyed being around anyone and didn't have a problem with anyone, but we didn't like to be provoked and could change in a split second and deal with you if uyasidelela (disrespect us)," said Mkhize.
