May Mahlangu Reveals Why He Walked Away from Kaizer Chiefs Academy at 12
May Mahlangu has shared the story behind a bold decision that shaped his career, revealing why he left the Kaizer Chiefs academy at just 12 years old.
Speaking on the Stars of Africa Podcast, the ex-Bafana Bafana midfielder said he felt overlooked during his brief time at the club, with coaches unconvinced of his potential.
“I went there and trained, but they didn’t see anything in me. However, that was not the end for me,” he said.
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Tragedy and Determination
Mahlangu’s journey began under difficult circumstances. At just 11, while playing for a local side, he lost both his parents — a devastating moment that nearly derailed his dreams.
Despite the setback, his talent soon caught the attention of scouts from Chiefs, offering him a pathway into structured football. However, his stay at Naturena did not unfold as hoped.
A Bold Escape to a New Opportunity
Unwilling to give up, the young midfielder made a daring move. After hearing about respected youth developer Farouk Khan, he decided to leave Chiefs in search of a better opportunity.
Khan, known for nurturing top talents, was in the process of establishing the Stars of Africa Football Academy.
“I had to run away… I was going to turn 12. I went to Turffontein for a trial,” Mahlangu recalled.
Finding His Footing at Stars of Africa
The decision proved pivotal. Mahlangu quickly impressed at the academy and chose not to return to Chiefs, convinced he had found the right environment to grow.
He joined Stars of Africa in 2003, where the focus extended beyond football to education and personal development.
By 2005, his progress was evident as he led the academy to victory in the Engen tournament, earning Player of the Tournament honours.
Leadership at a Young Age
Mahlangu’s maturity stood out early. When the academy secured a place in the Vodacom League through Alexandra United, he was handed the captaincy at just 14.
The responsibility marked him as one of the brightest young prospects in the system.
Launchpad to an International Career
His rise at Stars of Africa opened doors beyond South Africa. Mahlangu went on to build a lengthy professional career abroad, playing in countries including Sweden, Romania, Belgium, Turkey and Kazakhstan.
He featured for clubs such as Helsingborgs IF, IFK Göteborg, Sint-Truidense VV and Konyaspor.
Mahlangu’s story stands as a testament to resilience — a journey shaped not by early rejection, but by the courage to seek a better path.
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