Whilst Supersport and Stellenbosch have churned out a reputation for producing some of the country’s finest young talent, the Kaizer Chiefs conveyor belt may have delivered the best of the lot!
Rumours had started to circulate during the turn of the year that a Chiefs starlet had reportedly been promoted to the Amakhosi first team and would join the club when the PSL season resumed, after the international break for AFCON.
These rumours have since been confirmed by the Glamor Boys DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) coach that Mfundo Vilakazi’s transition was complete. “Kaizer Chiefs DDC coach Vela Khumalo tells me Mfundo Vilakazi has officially been promoted to the first team. It happened his week,” SuperSport TV analyst Karabo Phasha said on X [Twitter]. “I’m extremely happy for him. But I really wish he gets minutes. It was great analysing and presenting your games, my son [Vilakazi].”
This comes after the highly-rated prospect produced an eye-catching performance for the Carling All-Stars team that beat Carling Knockout champions Stellenbosch FC 2-1 at Peter Mokaba Stadium earlier this year. Head coach Cavin Johnson had reportedly invited the DDC sensation to train with the senior team, ahead of that clash. The 18-year-old midfielder netted the first goal in All Stars’ 2-1 victory over Steve Barker’s chargers. “I made people proud just like I do in the MDC, I was able to make them proud at a higher level,” Vilakazi told SABC Sport after the match.
The 18-year-old fan-favourite scored a free-kick for the All-Stars team and dipped into his bag of tricks in front of a packed Peter Mokaba Stadium. It was during his time with the junior team that the highly-rated prospect garnered a reputation for his silky skills. In fact, ‘Obrigado’, as he is affectionately known, has captured the attention of Chiefs’ technical staff and fulfilled his dream of playing for their first team, when he made his debut in their shameful Nedbank Cup exit by Milford.
Since then, there has been significant developments regarding his future with the club. The Soweto-born star is rumoured to have penned a five-and-a-half-year deal at Amakhosi, which could run from January 2024 to June 2029.
Written by Desh Parthab