Kaizer Chiefs have a treasure trove of young talent, with Naledi Hlongwane and Aden McCarthy shining recently for the Carling All-Stars against Magesi FC.
Both players were instrumental in the 3-0 victory at Orlando Stadium over the weekend, showcasing their potential for the senior side.
However, former Chiefs development coach Farouk Khan has voiced a differing opinion on their immediate promotion to the first team. “I believe the coach has his own preferred choice of players. It seems that Chiefs will be offloading many players,” Khan said to KickOff, suggesting a more measured approach for the young stars.
Khan emphasized the importance of strategic development over immediate promotion. “But ultimately, the coach has the final say on the type of players he wants,” he added, acknowledging coach Nasredine Nabi’s role in deciding the squad’s composition.
Chiefs are known for their robust youth system, which has produced stars like Jabu Pule, Isaac Mabotsa, and Nhlanhla Kubeka. Khan recalled his tenure under Muhsin Ertugral, “When I was at Chiefs, Muhsin Ertugral was compelled to utilize players who had proven themselves. Nabi is a very experienced coach; if he sees quality, he will not leave them behind.”
Yet, Khan cautioned against rushing young players into the first team without proper readiness. “Talent alone is not enough; there’s also the need for mental strength, adaptability, and handling pressure. Wearing that jersey carries significant weight,” he stated, highlighting the pressures of playing for Chiefs.
He further elaborated on his philosophy, “I used to explain this to players when Muhsin brought me in to work with the first team. Hlongwane is undoubtedly a talented player, but the coach knows him firsthand. The same applies to Fabian McCarthy’s son.”
Khan has proposed an alternative to immediate first-team integration: “Are they ready to play in the first team? I believe only the coach and the technical staff can answer that question. The club might consider taking a page from Sundowns’ book and loaning out these players.
“If they perform well elsewhere, they can be brought back. Keeping them in the DDC doesn’t make sense to me.”
This debate on the best path for Chiefs’ young talents continues, with recent updates indicating that the club might opt for a loan strategy for Hlongwane and McCarthy to gain more experience, potentially mirroring successful youth development models like that of Mamelodi Sundowns.