Like many, Cavin Johnson has lauded Amajita for reaching the FIFA Under-20 World Cup Last 16, but raised concerns about youngsters like Mfundo Vilakazi not starting for their clubs.
The former Kaizer Chiefs coach has shared some hard truths about youth development in the country and Vilakazi’s situation at Amakhosi.
Johnson is one of the most celebrated youth experts in Mzansi, having worked at revered academies such as the Transnet School of Excellence, Ajax Cape Town, Mamelodi Sundowns and Platinum Stars. He later moved into senior roles with SuperSport United, AmaZulu, and, of course, Chiefs.
Amajita kicked off their World Cup run with a 2-1 loss to France, before Raymond Mdaka’s side bounced back in style, sweeping aside New Caledonia 5-0 and then edging the USA 2-1 to set up a last 16 date with Colombia on Wednesday.
Asked if this is indeed the golden generation, Johnson said: “I am very delighted to see Amajita making the last 16,” Johnson told FARPost. “But I don’t know if they are the golden generation,” he added.
According to Johnson, the true test of a golden generation is whether the players are regular starters at their clubs in the Betway Premiership.
WHAT JOHNSON SAID ABOUT MFUNDO VILAKAZI
“They are not starters at their clubs. At that age, they should be starters. I can talk about a boy that I know. Mfundo Vilakazi. He has done well with about three assists and played very well. But he is not a starter at Kaizer Chiefs. He is always in the team, but he is not a starter. That for me is very important when you are discussing the golden generation,” he said.
The former Amakhosi coach pointed out that top teenage stars worldwide, like Yamine Lamal, Ley Yoro, Willian Estevao, and Myles Lewis-Skelly, are many others are already featured week in and week out for major clubs. Johnson also suggested that Amajita should have been blooded earlier in competitions like CHAN and Cosafa.
“Who did we send to play in the CHAN? We needed to send these boys there and also to tournaments like the Cosafa Cup. Other African countries sent junior teams to CHAN and COSAFA. I think this is something we really need to look at before we can identify a golden generation.”
On Vilakazi’s number 10 position at the World Cup, Johnson insisted the teenager is no stranger to pulling strings as a playmaker.
“He is not new to that position,” the Johannesburg-born coach said. “I always thought it was the position he would eventually grow into. You know the 10, 7 and 11 are all in the same position. The 7 and 11 just have the line next to you. Modern footballers play in all three positions.”
Amajita’s last 16 clash against Colombia kicks off on Wednesday at 21:30.
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