Orlando Pirates winger Patrick Maswanganyi has shown a rare moment of sportsmanship by sending a supportive message to Kaizer Chiefs’ young talent, Mfundo Vilakazi.
Vilakazi was visibly emotional after Chiefs’ 4-0 defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns in the Carling Cup last eight. The club result saw Amakhosi crush out of the cup competition in painful fashion.
And the 18-year-old, who was introduced as a second-half substitute, was unable to turn the tide for his team, especially after captain Inácio Miguel’s red card.
Maswanganyi, a player from a rival club, took to social media to offer words of comfort to the young Chiefs star. His gesture has been widely praised by fans from both sides of the Soweto Derby rivalry.
This act of sportsmanship highlights the importance of empathy and understanding, even in the highly competitive world of professional football. It’s a reminder that beyond the intense rivalry, there’s a shared passion for the beautiful game.
WHAT PATRICK MASWANGANYI SAID TO MFUNDO VILAKAZI
On his Instagram story, Maswanganyi wrote: “Kuzolunga njayam khululeka” [loosely translated… it’s gonna be fine my brother, don’t stress].
“I love this young man, his passion and desire to do his best for Chiefs is exceptional. He will be fine. My message last night to him was that we learn more from our suffering than we can ever learn from our successes. His talent combined with his determination will take him to the very top,” Makaab wrote.
Commenting on the gesture on social media platform X, @KingpinMathe, known to be a Chiefs fan, wrote: “Fans can say whatever they want. But players recognise and respect real talent. That’s why I appreciate PLAYERS PLAYER OF THE SEASON award more Than POTS award.”
Amakhosi coach Nasreddine Nabi is known to be a big fan of the youngster. The Tunisian mentor is on record as saying he believes the youngster is destined for greatness.
CHIEFS’ NABI VIEW YOUNGSTERS AS LONG-TERM INVESTMENTS
“[Samkelo] Zwane, Vilakazi, [Wandile] Duba, [Nkosingiphile] Ngcobo, [Mduduzi] Shabalala, these players are capital [investments] for Kaizer Chiefs,” Nabi said.
“They are great capital, which says that we need to complete the team with players of experience and quality to make even the youngsters grow with them and make Chiefs reach better places.
“It doesn’t mean we want to put them aside and replace them but to come in and compete and make a good balance in the team.”
Under the former Young Africans and AS FAR Rabat coach, Vilakazi has made six appearances for the Soweto giants. He scored the winner against Marumo Gallants in the opening game of the season.
RELATED STORY:‘People always said I’m a ball boy’: Chiefs’ starlet Mfundo Vilakazi
