Mkhize's notebook was growing heavier with names, sketches, and observations. Every evening, he read over the details, imagining how each player might grow, where their skills could take them. But dreams are fragile things, and reality has a way of testing even the strongest hearts.
One afternoon, Mkhize went to a local football tournament, a small competition held in a dusty field on the outskirts of town. He had his notebook, pen ready, eyes sharp. He spotted a boy with incredible speed, another with flawless ball control, and a goalkeeper who moved like a shadow. His heart raced.
But then, one of the tournament coaches noticed him.
"What are you doing here?" the man demanded, eyes narrowing. "This isn't a place for outsiders to pick our players. You don't have a license. You don't belong here."
Mkhize's throat went dry. He opened his mouth, but the words stuck. He wasn't a licensed scout yet. He didn't have the credentials. All he had was his passion, his notebook, and his belief in these boys.
The coach stepped closer, arms crossed. "If you try to take one of my players to a team without permission, you'll regret it."
Mkhize felt a surge of fear, but also determination. He took a deep breath. "I'm not here to steal anyone. I just want to help them grow. One day, if they're ready, I can guide them to opportunities they might never get. I promise I'll do it respectfully."
The coach stared at him for a long moment, as if weighing his words. Then he grunted and stepped back. "Fine. Watch the game. But don't get in my way."
Mkhize nodded, relief flooding through him. He knew this was just the first of many obstacles. People would doubt him, challenge him, and try to stop him. But every setback was a lesson. Every "no" was fuel for his fire.
That night, Mkhize wrote in his notebook by the light of a small lamp:
"Challenges will come. People will doubt me. But I will not stop. Dreams are stronger than fear."
And with that, he closed his notebook, ready to face the next day and the next challenge in his journey to become the scout he knew he was meant to be