Bees close in on ‘new Gabuza’ as Mpumalanga hotshot Khumalo nears Motsepe Foundation Championship move

A prolific young striker from Mpumalanga, hailed as the “new Gabuza”, is on the verge of sealing a move to Motsepe Foundation Championship side The Bees after a standout season in the lower leagues.

Rising star from ABC Motsepe League

Khumalo, who has been spearheading the attack for Middelburg United in the Mpumalanga ABC Motsepe League, is currently training with The Bees and is expected to put pen to paper within days, according to sources close to the deal.

The 21-year-old – admired for his power, aggression and penalty-box instincts – has attracted sustained interest from the Championship club, who are understood to have tracked him for the past three years.

“The boy is here at The Bees, he looks impressive, his nickname is Gabuza but believe me he is way better than the original Gabuza. He will score goals for The Bees, they have been chasing his signature since 2023, he used to be a strike partner of Ntuthuko Mlotshwa who is now with Chippa United. He will be signing with The Bees by the end of this week,” a source told KickOff.

From youth tournament hero to professional doorstep

Khumalo underlined his potential recently when he was crowned Top Goalscorer of the Tournament at the Zwane Inspections [PTY] LTD Youth Super 8 Tournament, where he played a decisive role in steering Middelburg United – nicknamed the Mighty Middies – to the title.

Across the club’s league campaign, he delivered consistent numbers, netting 11 goals and supplying four assists in 20 matches. Those performances have helped turn him into one of the most talked‐about forwards in the province.

The move would represent a significant step up in his career, elevating him from the semi-professional ABC Motsepe League into the professional ranks of the Motsepe Foundation Championship, South Africa’s second tier.

Middelburg United’s growing reputation

Middelburg United are rapidly building a reputation as a breeding ground for attacking talent.

The Mpumalanga outfit is the same side where Lerumo Lions identified Ntuthuko Mlotshwa, who went on to finish as the top scorer in the Motsepe Foundation Championship for the 2025/26 season before earning a transfer to Betway Premiership club Chippa United.

Khumalo previously formed a potent strike partnership with Mlotshwa at Middelburg United, and insiders at The Bees believe he can replicate that impact in the professional game.

‘New Gabuza’ tag fuels expectations

The nickname “Gabuza” – a reference to former Orlando Pirates forward Thamsanqa Gabuza, known for his physical presence and work rate – has followed Khumalo through the amateur ranks.

Those working closely with him, however, insist he could surpass his namesake if he adapts quickly to the demands of the Championship.

“The boy is here at The Bees… believe me he is way better than the original Gabuza,” the source reiterated, underscoring the club’s confidence that they have unearthed a forward capable of transforming their attacking options.

Bees eye firepower for promotion push

The Bees, who compete in the Motsepe Foundation Championship, are believed to be targeting additional firepower as they prepare for the new season and look to mount a stronger push towards the Betway Premiership.

Khumalo’s anticipated arrival, expected by the end of the week if talks proceed as planned, would add a youthful, in‐form striker to their squad and continue a growing trend of clubs mining the ABC Motsepe League for emerging talent.

The deal, once finalised, will further highlight Mpumalanga’s status as a fertile talent hub and reinforce Middelburg United’s role as a launchpad for strikers aiming to break into the professional game.