Kaizer Chiefs reserve team assistant coach Dillon Sheppard has revealed why a significant number of their products struggle when they step up at senior level.
Only a handful of the club’s DDC [Diski Challenge] products have managed to live up to their billing when given a chance in the top-flight. Recently, talents like Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba, and Mfundo Vilakazi have proven their worth. However, the same can’t be said for players like Sabelo Radebe, Happy Mashiane, and Samkelo Zwane.
Nkosingiphile Ngcobo has managed to retain his place in the team, but his form has dipped compared to his trailblazing run in the reserve team. Given Thibedi is another example of a DDC product who couldn’t last the distance in the senior team. He’s now on Orbit College’s books, having also played for Moroka Swallows.
Midfielder Sabelo Radebe was loaned out by Amakhosi to Richards Bay in September 2024. He made just three substitute appearances for Chiefs in the Betway Premiership 2024/25 season and, at 25, is currently unattached.
Last season, Samkelo Zwane struggled for game time despite being one of coach Nasreddine Nabi’s favorite players, making only 13 appearances in all competitions. Meanwhile, Happy Mashiane endured a difficult time, making just three starts and six substitute appearances. The arrival of Nkanyiso Shinga and Paseka Mako further limited his chances. Both Zwane and Mashiane were loaned to Siwelele FC.
WHAT DILLON SHEPPARD SAID
As such, Sheppard emphasized the need for DDC players to be mentally ready, as competition in the senior team is fierce. He noted that young players often lack the courage to handle the pressure of playing for AmaKhosi.
“I think you’ve got to remember they’ve got to compete with the players that are there, and they’re competing against some top professionals with huge experience. With young players, timing is everything. Your opportunity comes, and how ready are you to take it? That’s very important,” he said.
“So, I keep telling the players, you get an opportunity, you’re training—first thing, you come back down here, show good attitude, keep performing.
“When your chance comes, it’s not just about being physically ready, but also mentally ready, because you know the pressures that come with playing for Kaizer Chiefs. You get one opportunity and you’ve got to take it. It’s up to them, but we believe in their quality, and we believe that, like I said, more players will come through. I’ve got no doubt.”
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