We are pleased to confirm the addition of Khanya Leshabela to the Bucks squad on the eve of our return to the Enterprise National League North.
Khanya featured as a trialist in pre-season for the Bucks, and we are now able to shed some light on the 25-year-old, South African-born midfielder, whose performances prompted manager Kevin Wilkin to move for his services.
Khanya began his football career with Leicester City, having been born in the township of Soshanguve, outside Pretoria, but emigrating to the UK with his parents at the age of two. Brought up in Northampton, Khanya enjoyed a promising youth career and signed a professional contract with the Foxes after graduating through their academy system.
Given his debut in the Premier League by manager Brendan Rodgers, coming on as a substitute in a 5-0 victory over Sheffield United in March 2021, Khanya then spent time on loan at Shrewsbury Town and Crewe Alexandra.
Leaving Leicester to return to South Africa, Khanya signed for Cape Town City, but came back to the UK six months later and signed for National League South side Enfield Town. He also had spells at Spalding United and Bedford Town in the 2024-25 season.
Asked about Khanya’s qualities, Kevin Wilkin said:
“We obviously had a few trialists in, and Khanya caught our eye. He’s got a lot of energy, he’s tenacious, and he’s a confident boy who looks after the ball well, which is something I always want my teams to be able to do. He’s looking to step back up the levels, so we feel we can help him and he can help us.”
Khanya’s full name is Thakgalo Khanya Leshabela, which translates approximately as ‘Happiness and Brightness’, and we hope he can bring both to the SEAH Stadium.
Welcome to the Bucks, Khanya!
Khanya takes our squad to eighteen confirmed players for the 2025/26 season, and that may not be all…
If you’re interested in sponsoring Khanya for the 2025/26 season, please don’t hesitate to contact Aimée Lauder, our Commercial Sales Manager, at [email protected] or 07818 638850.
Follow the Bucks on social media; with the Enterprise National League North kick-off just over forty-eight hours away, we’ve got plenty to share with you before then, so don’t miss a beat.
