Mkosana first came to the Rowdies on loan from the Harrisburg City Islanders late in the 2013 season and notched a pair of goals in nine appearances. He then signed with Tampa Bay the following offseason and notched another pair of goals in 27 appearances. 

The Rowdies re-acquired Mkosana via a transfer from Louisville City FC midway through the 2019 season. The 35-year-old’s offensive output since his return has been stellar. While being utilized primarily as an option off the bench, Mkosana has notched 18 goals in 1,800 minutes of league play for the Rowdies over the last four seasons. 

“At times I didn’t give Lucky the opportunity he deserved last year based on how he trained,” said Rowdies Head Coach Neill Collins. “He trained fantastically and hardly missed a day. Age is just a number. He can still make an impact on and off the field. I don’t think there’s anyone better at impacting the game off the bench. He showed that when the chances come, he invariably puts them in the net. Just getting those chances is a big part of his game.

“We’re delighted to have him back. With more turnover than we’ve had in the past, it’s important to have guys that show the players coming in what the standards are and what it means to play for this club.”

Mkosana’s consistency as a substitute has made him a cult hero. His 23 goals in 86 substitute appearances across the regular season and playoffs are the most by a single player in the Championship’s history. Sixteen of those have come in Rowdies colors, with two of the most memorable helping the club rally late in the Eastern Conference Final of the 2021 USL Championship Playoffs, a performance that stands as one of the standout individual displays in the league’s postseason history.