Cape Town City lose their first icon as Thami Mkhize departs after nine-year service

Mkhize, who joined City shortly after their formation in 2016, has been more than just a defender - he's been a symbol of consistency, leadership, and identity for a club that rose quickly in South African football after acquiring the status of Mpumalanga Black Aces.

His exit comes in the wake of the club's relegation from the Betway Premiership, following a 15th-place finish and a failed playoff campaign. But while City's fall to the second tier is a setback, losing Mkhize may prove even more significant.

Over nine seasons, Mkhize wore the armband with distinction and built a legacy few players achieve in modern football. He played 270 matches, scored nine goals, provided 15 assists, and lifted two major trophies - the Telkom Knockout in 2016 and the MTN8 in 2018.

The 36-year-old's leadership was instrumental as the team transitioned through various coaches, highs, and challenges. From playing a crucial role in their first cup win just months after the club's creation, to being named captain in 2018, Mkhize evolved into City's spiritual core - the voice in the dressing room, the face in the community, and the heart on the pitch.

"I am truly grateful for the opportunity, the platform, and the chance I was given for the past 8 (nine) years with this club. I lived and enjoyed what I had always dreamed of as a child," Mkhize said in his farewell message on social media.

"To the fans, thank you for all the support and love you have shown me. You've touched my soul and shown me what loyalty looks like."

More than just a goodbye, Mkhize's departure leaves a leadership vacuum in a side that will now attempt to rebuild in the Motsepe Foundation Championship without the one player who embodied their ethos from the very beginning.

His story also reflects resilience. After a stalled move to Orlando Pirates and a reported fallout at Golden Arrows, few would have predicted he would become the most capped player in Cape Town City's history, let alone one of the club's most respected figures.

"Leading this club for seven consecutive seasons has helped me grow on and off the field," he added. "To my family, thank you for being my strength through it all. Ngiyabonga."

As Cape Town City begin to reshape their future, the void left by Mkhize will be hard to fill. His name will forever be etched in the club's history as its first true icon.