Born in 1985 in Daveyton, Junior Khanye’s story cycles through themes of comedy, tragedy and triumph. His love for Kung Fu movies characterises his moxie for life - Ghetto Ninja. Kung Fu and dancing soon translated to undeniable skill on the soccer field.

Junior was scouted to Kaizer Chiefs aged just seventeen, where he soon became the darling of the nation with his goal scoring prowess.

He shares how often he flirted with dangerous situations. Junior’s reputation as a troubled youth soon saw him kicked out of Kaizer Chiefs. From there he went through a tumultuous period cycling through phases of poverty and prosperity.

As Junior was at the brink of cementing his comeback and affirming his maturity, he suffered a great tragedy when a gang was sent to kill his family. His father was murdered that night. Junior was in the house but managed to escape the attack.

The soccer commentator and actor is living proof that one can come back from a state of darkness to achieve greatness.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHORS

Nikolaos Kirkinis is the author of The Curse of Teko Modise, a well-celebrated title. His second book, Strike a Rock - The Thembi Kgatlana Story was selected for the 2021 Exclusive Books Homebru promotion. He has an honors degree in International Studies. Kirkinis has worked as a freelance writer for Soccer Laduma. He lives in Johannesburg.

Junior Khanye is a South African professional footballer who was Scouted to Kaizer Chiefs at just 17. The current player-coach for Malanti Chiefs is also a beloved football analyst for iDiski TV. In his book written with Nikolaos Kirkinis, he shares a wealth of stories from both on and of­ the pitch, telling of the making of a soccer sensation.