Kaizer Chiefs’ sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jr has lauded the club’s youth development strategy after eight academy graduates featured in the matchday squad for Wednesday night’s 1-0 victory over Marumo Gallants.
Of the 20-man squad that secured the crucial three points at the Dr Petrus Molemela Stadium in Bloemfontein, nearly half were developed within the walls of Naturena. The win, sealed by a stunning 67th-minute strike from Congolese international Glody Lilepo, propelled Amakhosi into second place in the Betway Premiership standings, just two points behind leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
The starting line-up and bench featured five players who rose through the youth ranks. Zitha Kwinika partnered with Aden McCarthy at the heart of the defence to secure a clean sheet. In midfield, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Mduduzi Shabalala and Lebohang Maboe, a former Chiefs junior who returned to the club from Mamelodi Sundowns earlier this season, were instrumental.
Maboe delivered a commanding performance, earning him the Man of the Match accolade. The youth influence extended to the bench with Mfundo Vilakazi, Thulani Mabaso, and goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma all part of the matchday setup.
‘THESE PLAYERS CARRY THE CLUB’S DNA’: MOTAUNG JR
For Motaung Jr, the high percentage of academy products in the first team is a calculated move rather than a coincidence.
“For us as a club, it’s extremely important to have a high percentage of our academy graduates featuring,” Motaung Jr said. “It fosters our plan of sustainability. These players carry the club’s DNA and an in-depth understanding of the philosophy and culture.
“You know, our young graduates always have a very tight connection with our fan base, with an in-depth understanding of the team’s philosophy and culture. And it’s a conscious decision and strategy we’ve implemented as we look to build a team for the future.”
Motaung Jr also revealed that the development strategy is designed to prepare these “fresh-faced assassins” for the international market. By blooding them in high-stakes Premiership matches, the club aims to follow the blueprint set by previous exports like Siyabonga Ngezana.
“We look forward to producing many more products from the KC Youth Academy. Being in the first team ranks, playing their trade in the PSL, whether it be with other teams, and, of course, being directed in our sales of players overseas, wanting to open that international market for our youth players.”
RELATED STORY: Kaizer Jr reveals priority area Chiefs need to reinforce