French Football Legend Thierry Henry Names His All-Time Favourite South African Player

• Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry visited South Africa over the weekend to attend the Soweto derby
• Henry expressed surprise at a unique Soweto derby tradition that sets it apart from rivalries he witnessed in Europe
• When pressed to name the South African player he admired most, Henry reached back in time to single out a Bafana Bafana icon

Arsenal and France legend Thierry Henry has named Doctor Khumalo as the South African player he has admired most, singling out the Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana icon during a visit to Johannesburg for the Soweto derby.

Henry was in the country over the weekend to take in the fixture between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs. Speaking to SuperSport TV, he reflected on both the atmosphere in the stands and the broader state of South African football.

Henry Taken Aback by Soweto Derby Atmosphere

The French striker was visibly struck by what he described as a rare sight at a local derby — supporters of rival clubs sharing the same space without hostility.

Read also

Late rugby legend’s sons continue his sporting and charitable legacy

"You can see the mix of the colours in the stands. This is something that is very rare for me," he told SuperSport TV. "Usually, when you have a derby, you separate from the fans, you don't walk together to the stadium, you definitely do not sit together at the stadium and that is what makes this derby unique. It is a derby that does not divide the country by the fact that people are okay with each other, sitting with each other."

Doctor Khumalo Earns Henry's Praise

When asked to identify his favourite South African player, Henry looked beyond the current generation and recalled a squad that left a lasting impression on him during his playing days.

"I don't have a favourite South African player at the moment because to reach that level, you need years and years and years but the one that I always used to like when I used to watch players in my time, because I played against that team that won the Africa Cup of Nations [in 1996]," he said.

"You all know the team; the [Phil] Masinga, [Mark] Fish, [Lucas] Radebe but Doctor Khumalo was the player that I used to like with the way he played the game," Henry added.

Khumalo was part of the Bafana Bafana side that claimed South Africa's only Africa Cup of Nations title in 1996, a tournament the country hosted. At club level, he enjoyed a decorated career with Kaizer Chiefs, contributing to three league title victories and cementing his status as one of the finest players the country has produced.

Source: Briefly News