Hard work, not luck, is the key for Mkosana

Lucky Mkosana talks about his best advice to young teammates, his degree from Dartmouth, and more.

In case you were wondering, yes, Luckymore “Lucky” Mkosana has heard your joke or pun about his name. “Sometimes, they think they’re the first to say it, but I’ve already heard it a million times,” the Penn FC forward says. Ironically, it’s been hard work more than luck that has got the striker to where he is.

Lucky currently leads Penn FC with eight goals in his 17 appearances. One of the key veterans on the team, his message to young players is an important one. He says, “No cutting corners. It starts with practice. Make sure you’re ready for practice, do your stretching and whatever you need to get ready. You have to always push yourself.”

Mkosana’s hard work started back in his native country of Zimbabwe, where he says you must visit the world famous, breathtaking Victoria Falls. Lucky impressed the soccer coach of Dartmouth College on a visit to the African nation and was able to land a spot on the team. While he was a star for the soccer team, he also took his academics very seriously at the Ivy League school. He would earn his degree in International Development from the #11 college in the country, according to USNews.com.

After leaving Dartmouth as the school’s all-time leader in goals, he was drafted by Chicago Fire. Lucky would go unsigned by the MLS side, but he did join Harrisburg City Islanders, the former identity of his current team. He said it is a completely new team, with a new name, coach, staff, etc. “I feel like it’s way better now compared to before,” he reflects.

So, before you make your silly joke about luck, remember, it’s been hard work that has got Lucky Mkosana to where he is.

Photo courtesy of YSPI.