Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has outlined two key areas where youngster Mfundo Vilakazi must improve to secure more regular starts for the club.
Kaze was speaking after Amakhosi picked up their second consecutive victory, defeating relegation-threatened Magesi FC on Saturday night in a Betway Premiership clash at the Moses Mabhida Stadium in Durban. This result follows a crucial 1-0 win against Durban City FC at FNB Stadium, a result that finally arrested a damaging four-match losing streak and eased the immense pressure on the Naturena side.
Chiefs walked away 2-0 winners against Magesi, courtesy of goals from two academy graduates: Wandile Duba in the first half and Vilakazi in the second.
Vilakazi was introduced in the 62nd minute to replace Duba and immediately made his impact felt with several enterprising runs into the box. He eventually found the back of the net in the 84th minute to wrap up three vital points as Chiefs continue their push for a top-three finish to secure CAF inter-club competition football.
Vilakazi was promoted to the first team in early 2024 following a string of impressive displays for the Chiefs DDC side. Since his promotion, he has made 55 appearances, contributing five goals and five assists.
In his debut campaign, the 20-year-old featured in seven games, all of which were from the bench. His second season [2024/25] saw a significant increase in game time with 27 appearances, though he only earned four starts.
In the current 2025/26 campaign, the starlet has already racked up 21 appearances and his best statistical return yet, with two goals and two assists. His inclusion in the starting XI has also improved, with eight starts in 21 games so far.
AREAS FOR IMPROVEMENT FOR MFUNDO VILAKAZI: PHYSICALITY AND AGGRESSION
While Kaze believes the Amajita star and Under-20 AFCON winner is on the verge of becoming a regular starter, he emphasized that Vilakazi must still refine his physicality and aggression to handle the demands of the top flight.
โI believe that he is not far, and this season there are games that he started; sometimes it is a tactical decision not to start him,โ said Kaze. โBut he is a player who always gives everything, his best at training and during games.
“We want to have players who can make an impact. There are some improvements he needs to make, especially when the team does not have the ballโto be a little bit more physical and stronger on the ball when we are in possession. But he is a wonderful kid who wants to learn, and Iโm pretty sure he is going to go far.โ
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