Schalkwyk discusses Mfundo Vilakazi’s readiness for the big stage

Former Kaizer Chiefs star Gert Schalkwyk has discussed the teen sensation Mfundo Vilakazi’s readiness for the big stage in the PSL.

Vilakazi was recently promoted to the Chiefs senior team by interim coach Cavin Johnson following his impressive displays in the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC].

So far, the 18-year-old has made two appearances in the PSL in all competitions and is yet to get enough game time to make an impression.

Schalkwyk once found himself in the same situation as Vilakazi many years ago when he first played for Amakhosi in his early 20s.

GERT SCHALKWYK SAYS MFUNDO VILAKAZI IS READY FOR PROFESSIONAL FOOTBALL

The retired midfielder believes Vilakazi is ready to play football at the professional level. He hopes the technical team will give him some game time like they’ve done with other academy graduates.

Over the past seasons, The Glamour Boys have promoted several Diski Challenge players, including Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Sabelo Radebe, Happy Mashiane, Mduduzi Shabalala, Samkelo Zwane, Bontle Molefe, and Wandile Duba.

“The boy [Mfundo Vilakazi] can play,” Schalkwyk told FARPost. “And he’s shown his class and qualities in the Carling Black Label Cup [All Stars match]. The boy can play.

“Sometimes I think it’s good to start him and see how he can improve. They once did it with Mduduzi Shabalala. They did it with Nkosingiphile Ngcobo. So, I think it will be fair for Chiefs to try Vilakazi; you may never know what will happen.

“Also, it depends with the boy’s heart, sometimes you will get supporters that will love you. Then in the next match, you don’t have a good game, then they will boo you. But it depends with the boy; how far and how determined is he.”

RELATED STORY: Ex-Chiefs and Pirates star Schalkwyk makes Soweto Derby prediction