Former Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Brilliant Khuzwayo recently opened up about his football career, offering insight into his experiences in South African football, as well as revealing details about his earnings during his time at Orlando Pirates. Khuzwayo, who was once a promising shot-stopper for both his clubs and the national team, made headlines when he disclosed that he earned a substantial R15 million during his short stint with Orlando Pirates—despite the fact that he never made a single appearance for the club.
Khuzwayo’s journey in professional football began at Kaizer Chiefs, where he was considered one of the top young goalkeepers in the country. During his time at Chiefs, he served as the understudy to the legendary Itumeleng Khune, one of South Africa’s most respected goalkeepers. While Khuzwayo didn’t get regular first-team action at Chiefs due to Khune’s dominance in the goal, he was part of a squad that won three major titles. These achievements helped cement his reputation as a capable and talented goalkeeper, despite his limited playing time.
In 2014, Khuzwayo made the controversial decision to leave Kaizer Chiefs and sign with their arch-rivals, Orlando Pirates. His move to Pirates was a bold one, as it was widely seen as a high-profile switch within South African football’s most bitter rivalry. However, his time at Pirates didn’t pan out as he had hoped. Although he signed a lucrative deal, Khuzwayo’s career was cut short by an ankle injury that forced him to retire prematurely in 2019, at the age of 29.
Khuzwayo’s early retirement was a bitter blow for a player who had so much potential. Despite his talent, he struggled to secure a place in the starting XI at Pirates, and his time at the club was marred by injuries, including the one that ultimately ended his career. Even though Khuzwayo earned a significant salary during his time with Pirates, many local football fans were surprised by the amount of money he made given that he didn’t play a single match for the team. The revelation of his R15 million salary sparked a wave of debate on social media, with many people expressing disbelief that a player could earn such an amount without contributing on the field.
Khuzwayo’s career with Bafana Bafana, the South African national team, was brief but notable. He made three appearances for the national team, but his international career didn’t develop as many had anticipated, due in part to his injury struggles. In addition to his time at Chiefs and Pirates, Khuzwayo also had a stint at AmaZulu FC, where he continued to play at a competitive level before his retirement.
Despite his early exit from professional football, Khuzwayo has remained active in the football scene. Since hanging up his boots, he has become involved in various football-related activities, including promoting football academies and supporting tournaments like the MTN8. Khuzwayo’s post-retirement efforts have been focused on giving back to the game, particularly through helping to develop young talent and supporting grassroots football initiatives.
While Khuzwayo’s career may not have gone exactly as planned, his story highlights both the highs and lows of professional football. His earnings, combined with his relatively short career, have made him a talking point in South African football circles, with some questioning the financial dynamics of the sport. Nonetheless, Khuzwayo’s dedication to the game and his work after retirement show that his love for football continues, even beyond the pitch.
