Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Joseph Molangoane has added his voice to the growing debate around Mfundo Vilakazi’s best position, insisting the talented youngster is being misused on the flank.
Vilakazi, a Soweto-born talent affectionately nicknamed ‘Obrigado’, made his senior debut for Chiefs in February 2024 during a Nedbank Cup Last 32 clash against Motsepe Foundation Championship side Milford FC.
Since then, Vilakazi has featured consistently for Amakhosi, going on to make a further 47 appearances across competitions. His contributions include four goals and one assist.
His notable moments included the famous goals against Marumo Gallants and Sekhukhune United last season.
The former DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] superstar was also part of the South Africa Under-20 National Team at two major tournaments. Operating as a 10 at the FIFA Under-20 World Cup in October, he scored twice and laid one assist in four matches. He also won the 2025 U-20 Africa Cup of Nations [AFCON] with Amajita, playing a crucial role.
The output shows decent promise, but according to ex-Chiefs star Molangoane, the role he serves doesn’t allow his natural qualities to shine fully.
MOLANGOANE: ‘KAIZER CHIEFS PUT MFUNDO VILAKAZI IN THE WRONG POSITION’
Molangoane believes the issue is where Vilakazi plays on the pitch. Chiefs consistently place him on the right flank, asking him to hug the touchline and dribble inside to shoot or find a pass, a role Molangoane feels limits his strengths.
“Mfundo is not a winger, he is a number 10,” Molangoane told FARPost. “You can’t get the best out of him on the wing. “It is the reason why he always comes inside. He should not play on the side. He suits the number 10 role.”
Molangoane’s connection to Vilakazi goes back to Soweto before the youngster’s career took off. The former Chiefs, Platinum Stars and Chippa United winger revealed he spotted Vilakazi’s talent long before the midfielder arrived at Naturena.
“I discovered that boy before most people saw him. I gave him boots at the Philly’s Games,” Molangoane said. “I went up to him and said mfanam’ bamba nang’ ama boots [son, here are soccer boots, take them].
“I can’t remember which year. Things happened fast for him. I remember after the Philly’s Games he joined the Chiefs reserve team.”
The former winger, known as ‘Tight’ also reflected on how unreliable football journeys can be, especially for young talents trying to break through.
“Football is luck, even if you are talented, you need luck. Most of the very best talents don’t make it because they believe they know football,” Molangoane added.
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