Itumeleng Khune’s insightful message to Chiefs starlet Mfundo Vilakazi

Kaizer Chiefs veteran keeper Itumeleng Khune has shared an insightful message with Mfundo Vilakazi and other up-and-coming youngsters. Khune and Vilakazi were part of the Carling All-Star team that beat Stellenbosch FC 2-1 at Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Saturday.

The 18-year-old was a fan favourite on the day with his famous tricks and also scored the opening goal of the match. While Vilakazi remains part of the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] side, he has also been invited to train with the senior side from time to time.

WHAT WAS KHUNE’S MESSAGE TO MFUNDO VILAKAZI?

“Mfundo has to work hard. He must not lose hope, his time will come,” said Khune during the post-match interview.

“He just has to be patient with himself and stop reading whatever people are saying. Just keep on working hard on the field and when the time is right, the opportunity will come his way. I think it goes to other youngsters, not only Mfundo. But the players that he is playing with, he was playing with Mduduzi Shabalala and look what happened? He got promoted.”

BETTER OPPORTUNITIES FOR YOUNG PLAYERS

“It’s opening doors for everyone that is playing in the DDC and their games are live on TV. They are being watched week in and week out,” he explained.

‘They are playing under a huge crowd when they play the DDC. So it gives them a great opportunity to get recognized by the first-team coaches. So they just have to take their careers seriously, follow their hearts and be patient because when the other doors close, the other one opens.

“I also had a dream when I was a youngster when I was still 17 before I got promoted. The same opportunities that the current DDC are getting were not there during our days. But I had an opportunity as a reserve team player once a month to play against the first team and that’s how I managed to impress the coach,” he added.

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