It’s Saturday March 29, 2008. Location: Foxboro, Massachusetts. Significance? Rematch of the last two MLS Cup Finals: the New England Revolution hosting back-to-back champions Houston Dynamo and leading 2-0. It’s the 81st minute and a young man from Bulawayo, is at the midfield stripe about to make his first professional appearance for his new Boston club.
It’s none other than former Bucks striker Mkhokheli (Kheli) Dube and he was trying to play it cool.
“I don’t remember exactly what was going through my head, but I had a lot of nerves, it was such an awesome moment – one that I won’t soon forget,” said the Coastal Carolina alum.
Dube, who appeared 38 times and scored 22 goals in three years with the Bucks (2005-2007) was taken 8th overall by the Revolution in January’s MLS Supplemental Draft, a selection process for players that lay a little under the radar. Revolution coach and former Liverpool legend Steve Nicol found a diamond in the rough though and Dube couldn’t be happier in Boston.
“Everything is going really well so far and I’m just enjoying every moment. The organization, the coach, the city, everything is first class, the only thing I can complain about is the cold weather here.”
The Rev’s new number 11, Dube takes the shirt from another former Buck and international Pat Noonan (2002), who moved to Aalesunds FK of the Norwegian First Division in January.
“Pat is a great player so I’m glad to take his old number and carry on the Bucks tradition with the Revolution,” Dube said.
The Bucks tradition is something mentioned a lot by alumni of the PDL side. It stands to reason that the team, entering its 13th season, is one of the most successful franchises ever in the United Soccer Leagues setup.
“The Bucks are like a big family. Anyone that has ever played there will tell you that. Dan Duggan takes care of his players and Fitz [Coach Dan Fitzgerald] helped me a lot along the way. They both mean a lot to me, not forgetting all my teammates during my time there.”
Fitz couldn’t speak more highly of Dube.
”I was recently asked who my favorite player in the world was. Most would answer with [Cristiano] Ronaldo, or [Lionel] Messi. As a coach, Kheli is my favorite. He’s a hard worker with a great attitude and always plays for the team. On top of that he’s one of the best I’ve ever seen in person,” said Fitzgerald.
And for Dube, a Zimbabwean youth international, the Bucks were a stepping stone in his professional development.
“The environment in the organization helps prepare you for the next level. The coaching staff lets your develop and allows every player to play to their potential and strengths. I owe a lot to the Michigan Bucks for helping me get to where I am today.”
When asked about advice to future Bucks and younger players looking to make a career out of professional soccer, Kheli’s advice is simple:
”If you’re with the Bucks, you’re in a good place to start your career. Although you will have to sacrifice many things, dedication and commitment will help any player achieve what they want.”
At the time of print, Kheli Dube had appeared in 6 out of 7 Revolution MLS matches and appeared in all 3 Rev’s Reserve Division matches, recording 2 assists.
