After facing a barrage of criticism for showboating, Kaizer Chiefs starlet Mfundo Vilakazi has responded to his detractors with a defiant statement ahead of the start of the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season.
The youngster faced heavy criticism in recent weeks for his flamboyant playing style, with some fans and pundits arguing that his excessive flair is detrimental to the team’s progress.
Even Young Africans talisman Stephen Aziz Ki lambasted Vilakazi for his many unnecessary touches, describing the showboating act as “nonsense.”
These criticisms surfaced after the skilful 18-year-old started in the first edition of the Toyota Cup against Young Africans in Bloemfontein last month. While Amakhosi were 2-0 behind in the first half, Vilakazi engaged in showboating. Ultimately, Chiefs suffered a 4-0 defeat.
However, as Vilakazi prepares for his first full PSL season in Chiefs colours, he insists that he remains unaffected by negative criticism on social media. There are high expectations for him to build upon his promising debut performances under interim coach Cavin Johnson in the latter stages of last season.
KAIZER CHIEFS’ MFUNDO VILAKAZI SHRUGS OFF CRITICS
He believes that such criticism can have a positive impact. “Usually, I don’t read comments on social media,” said Vilakazi.
“So I don’t think [the criticism] affected me or hurt me because I don’t care what people say as long as the coach [Nasreddine Nabi] is happy and the team as well.
“I’m saying this because the very same people who are talking, the league is starting soon, and I will score, and the people who have been criticising me will be praising me, saying: ‘Mfundo must go play overseas’, and all that.
“They would have forgotten that we played against Young Africans, and I dribbled, and they criticised me. So I take criticism as motivation to work extra hard, and if they praise me, I must continue with the good work.”
VILAKAZI ON NABI’S EXPECTATIONS
The youngster went on to reveal the specific areas his coach, Nabi, at Chiefs, wants him to focus on improving after their discussions during the team’s pre-season training in Turkey.
Vilakazi is among the young players expected to shine under new coach Nabi, who is a fan of
young talent. Other promising youngsters like Nkosana Mbuthu [19], Mduduzi Shabalala [20], and Samkelo Zwane [22] are also expected to contribute to Amakhosi’s success in the 2024/25 season.
“The coach said that I have the ability to take on players, score and assist,” added Vilakazi. “He [Nabi] also said that I have the technique to shoot at goal. So what he expects from me is to shoot more and have more attempts at goal until I get it right and improve my game.”
Vilakazi, currently in Lesotho with the SA Under-20 side, scored in the first of two international friendlies against the Lesotho national U-20 team on Friday. Amajita beat Lesotho 3-1 at the Bambatha Tšsita Sports Arena in Maseru.
The second and final clash for Vilakazi and Co. will be on Sunday, 18 August, as they conclude their preparations for the 2024 COSAFA U-20 Championships, set to be played in September.
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