Cape Town - Although he was unable to establish
himself at White Hart Lane, South African centre-back Bongani Khumalo
has no regrets over his stint at Tottenham Hotspur.
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Khumalo spent four and a half years on the books of the north London club before leaving in 2015, but failed to make a competitive appearance for them. Nevertheless, he insists he gave everything he was capable of.
"That move was the highlight of my career, even though I have had a number of them in my life ... I grew as a player and, generally, as a man in this world. I went to Spurs quite a very young guy and, obviously, at the same time, quite raw as well.
"I didn't have all the attributes of the European game and the mentality of the game as well. It was totally different to what I was used to and that's what I had to learn.
"I had to try my best to get my games and was pushed to my limits. Going on loan to various clubs was part of the process of helping me to get a good understanding of the game and game-time under my belt.
"Although I would have loved to stay at Spurs and fight for my place there, the thinking behind the loan moves was for me to come back stronger and have that chance to challenge for a place in the team. Unfortunately, whenever I came back into the team, I would get loaned out again."
Khumalo continued: "One thing that I know for sure is that I did the best I could and I pushed myself, but unfortunately, it wasn't to be at that point in time and at that level."
The 31-year-old, who was born in Swaziland but has 35 caps for South Africa, is currently in his third spell at Tshwane side SuperSport United.