
A former coach of Pule Mmodi has voiced concerns over how Kaizer Chiefs are deploying the seasoned midfielder, urging the club to reconsider his position on the pitch.
David Vilakazi, who previously worked with Mmodi during his development years, believes the 32-year-old is being misused by the Soweto giants.
Despite appearing in nine of Chiefs’ 11 matches this season, Mmodi has yet to find the back of the net and has only one assist to his name—raising questions about his effectiveness in the current setup.
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Vilakazi suggests that a positional adjustment could be key to unlocking Mmodi’s full potential and reigniting his impact in the squad.
Mmodi has largely been deployed as a left winger since his arrival at Naturena in July 2023 from Golden Arrows.
However, Vilakazi, who coached him at Free State Stars’ feeder team, believes he would be more effective as a central attacking midfielder – a number 10.
“As a winger, he’s not delivering what they need. He doesn’t cross well with his left foot,” Vilakazi told KickOff.
“At the top level, goals often come from crosses, but maybe that’s not the approach Chiefs are using.”
Vilakazi recalled Mmodi’s success at Arrows, where he thrived in a central role by scoring, assisting, and breaking defensive lines.
He feels Mmodi’s creativity and goal threat would be better utilized behind the striker, rather than isolated on the flank.
“He can beat players on the left, but he can’t deliver the final ball from there. Chiefs seem to want him to cut inside, but I’m unsure what return they’ll get from that,” Vilakazi added.
“I’ve rarely seen him deliver a proper cross with his left foot.”
While acknowledging he doesn’t work with Mmodi daily, Vilakazi believes a tactical shift could yield better results.
“Play him as a 10, and you’ll see the best of him,” he concluded.