Former Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Faruok Khan has expressed significant concern over the club’s struggle to integrate promising players from their DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) team into the senior squad, leading to a notable exodus of young talent.
Khan’s comments highlight a critical issue for a club that has historically prided itself on nurturing local stars.
In recent seasons, several standout performers from the Chiefs’ DDC side have opted to leave Naturena in pursuit of consistent top-flight football elsewhere.
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This trend underscores a perceived lack of clear progression within the club for its most talented youngsters.
Notable Departures and Their Success Stories
Among the most prominent departures are Puso Dithejane and Khulimane Ndamane, both of whom joined TS Galaxy. Dithejane, in particular, has flourished since his move, making an impressive 48 appearances for Galaxy during the 2023/24 season, scoring three goals and providing seven assists.
His stellar performances earned him a well-deserved call-up to the Bafana Bafana squad for the 2025 COSAFA Cup, showcasing the immediate impact he’s had at a new club. Ndamane has also made his mark at TS Galaxy, featuring in 27 matches and receiving call-ups for recent Bafana friendlies.
Another significant departure saw Omega Mdaka sign with Stellenbosch FC, further indicating a pattern of talented youth seeking opportunities beyond Kaizer Chiefs. The trend continued after the 2024/25 campaign, with DDC captain Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi and Siphesihle Tati also making the move to TS Galaxy.
These instances collectively paint a picture of a club struggling to convince its brightest young prospects that their future lies within its senior team.
Khan’s Call for a “Proper Transition Model”
Farouk Khan, who previously played a crucial role in Chiefs’ development structures, believes the club must urgently address this deficiency and establish a more effective pathway from the youth ranks to the senior team.
“Chiefs is an institution that attracts the best junior talent – no disrespect to Pirates or Sundowns,” Khan told FARPost, acknowledging the club’s enduring appeal to young footballers. However, he questioned whether the club is adequately preparing these players for the demands and pressures of professional football.
Khan cited the example of Mfundo Vilakazi, a highly touted talent within the Chiefs’ development system, who despite his potential, has yet to secure a regular place in the senior squad. “So, there has to be a way of getting players into the senior team,” Khan emphasized, highlighting the critical need for a structured integration process.
He drew a parallel with Relebohile Mofokeng, who has enjoyed considerable success at rival club Orlando Pirates after coming through the School of Excellence, suggesting that a clear and actionable development model is paramount.
Khan concluded by underscoring the aspirations of these young players: “No one would want to leave a club like Chiefs without reason. The club needs to find a proper transition model. These kids don’t want to be ball boys – they want opportunities.”
His message is clear: Kaizer Chiefs must prioritize creating genuine opportunities for their youth players if they want to retain their most promising talents and ensure a sustainable future for the club.