Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has opened up on his detailed conversation with Mfundo Vilakazi on the eve of the match against Zesco United at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban.
During the build-up to the crucial encounter with the Zambian team, eagle-eyed journalists noticed Kaze engaged in a discussion with the club’s teenage star, separate from the rest of the squad.
Following this private briefing, Kaze has commented on the exchange, noting a big tactical shift for the 20-year-old. Chiefs ultimately secured a 1-0 victory in the Group D CAF Confederation Cup match, positioning themselves strongly for qualification to the knockout stages.
Vilakazi, who usually plays wide at Chiefs, was shifted into the ‘10’ role and provided the assist for Glody Lilepo’s solitary goal. He has previously played the role in the national Under 20 team.
According to Kaze, the conversation focused more on the technical requirements of the position rather than motivation.
WHAT WAS KAZE AND MFUNDO VILAKAZI’S CONVERSATION ABOUT?
“You know it’s our daily work that we have to do. But it was also special attention to the position he was going to occupy on Sunday, because it was a new one for him as a number 10.
“Usually, he plays as a wide player, and we wanted to make sure that he understands the demands of that position and the responsibilities that come with that position.
“And as well, to talk with him to get his sensations about that. And yeah, that was that.”
After Wednesday night’s Nedbank Cup Round of 16 clash against Stellenbosch FC, the Soweto giants shift focus back to the CAF Confederation Cup.
They host Al Masry at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Polokwane on Sunday before jetting off to cairo where they face Zamalek in the final tie of the CAF interclub competition’s group stages.
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