Hailing from Empangeni in KwaZulu-Natal, Mkhabela attended Glenwood High School, an institution known for its rugby pedigree and superb conditioning programme. After first representing the Sharks at both the U16 Grant Khomo Week and the U18 Craven Week, Zee earned a call-up to the South African U18 Academy team in 2012. Aggressively recruited by several provinces, Mkhabela’s lightning-quick service from the base best suited the Free State Cheetahs, a union renowned for their willingness to play the game at a high tempo.

As a standout performer in both the U19 and U21 Currie Cup competitions, it came as no surprise when Zee represented his country at the 2014 World Rugby U20 Championship. Known for his technical maturity and quick decision-making ability, his senior Currie Cup debut came at just 19 years old, with a first Super Rugby cap following just a few short months later. Not only did Mkhabela show his versatility by starting a Super Rugby fixture on the wing, he also adapted to the slower surfaces of the Guinness Pro 14 with ease, when the Cheetahs joined European ranks. Zee returned home to the Sharks in 2019 and turned out in the Super Rugby once more, before seeking a fresh challenge in Global Rapid Rugby.