Aziz Ki on Mfundo Vilakazi’s showboating: ‘It’s nonsense’
Young Africans talisman Stephane Aziz Ki has criticised Kaizer Chiefs’ Mfundo Vilakazi for showboating during their recent Toyota Cup match, which Yanga won 4-0.
Mfundo Vilakazi’s dancing and tricks with the ball drew the ire of Aziz, who believes such actions are disrespectful and detrimental to the game.
Despite trailing 2-0 in the first half, the Chiefs academy product prioritised showboating and individual flair over effective attacking midfield play. Aziz Ki, a highly skilful player, has weighed in on the debate.
“I respect my job; football is my job. I love football. I like to learn,” Aziz told FARPost in an exclusive interview. “The football I see at a high level, you will never see Ronaldo or the top players do that. This is a waste of time.”
Aziz, a Burkina Faso international, expressed his disappointment, particularly with Vilakazi’s showboating while his team was losing 2-0. “When you’re losing, and you come and do this, it’s nonsense,” he said. “I was feeling sad when I see even the young players doing this. It’s not something nice.”
Despite playing in midfield, the 28-year-old scored 21 goals and provided eight assists for Yanga in the Tanzania Premier League last season. The skilful midfielder won the Golden Boot award.
WHY AZIZ KI BELIEVES SHOWBOATING ‘KILLS TIME’
The Yanga star emphasised the importance of efficiency and creating opportunities in football.
“For me, football is always in front, control, pass, not to jump with the ball,” he explained. “You lose time, and you kill time because, in football, every single second is important. So when you take the ball and stop the ball and do that, you give five seconds to the opponent and everyone will come back. So you will not get the option. You didn’t create nothing.”
Aziz concluded by questioning the value of showboating. “After the game when you finish to do these dances with the ball, if I ask you who won the game, what will you tell me? You danced with the ball? I can’t appreciate this kind of football.”
Newly appointed Chiefs coach, Nabi, renowned for his disapproval of showboating, is likely to address the 19-year-old midfielder’s actions privately, maintaining his protective stance towards his players. Despite this incident, the Tunisian coach remains a strong admirer of the young talent.
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