Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thabiso ‘Skappie’ Malatsi has named Mfundo Vilakazi and Khanyisa Mayo as the two players primed to make a major impact for Amakhosi in the 2026/27 Betway Premiership season.
The 20-year-old talent has been part of the Amakhosi senior squad since 2024, having earned his promotion following an impressive stint in the DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] setup.
He enjoyed increased playing time last season under co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, though his appearances in the Betway Premiership were primarily utilised in an impact role off the bench.
Vilakazi has already shown clear intent to establish himself as a key figure following his decisive display in Sunday’s Toyota Cup triumph in Rustenburg. His clinical strike secured a 1-0 victory over Zimbabwe’s Scottland FC at the Royal Bafokeng Stadium in Phokeng.
MFUNDO VILAKAZI TIPPED TO STAR FOR KAIZER CHIEFS THIS SEASON
Malatsi, a graduate of the Chiefs youth academy, believes this could be the definitive campaign for Vilakazi to command a starting berth. Furthermore, he highlighted forward Khanyisa Mayo as another primary player to watch ahead of the 2026/27 season. Mayo completed a permanent transfer to Amakhosi from Algerian outfit CR Belouizdad after spending last season on loan at Naturena.
The former Amakhosi development product insists Vilakazi is primed for a breakout campaign on the back of his match-winning heroics, while tipping Mayo to rediscover his sharpest form after making his move to Naturena permanent.
Vilakazi has shown glimpses of his potential, featuring in 63 games for Chiefs with six goals and four assists to his name, mostly off the bench. Meanwhile, Mayo made 15 appearances and scored two goals in Chiefs colours last season, though his progress was severely hindered by injuries.
THABISO MALATSI ALSO PICKS KHANYISA MAYO TO SHOW UP FOR AMAKHOSI
“You can’t put unfair pressure on Mfundo [Vilakazi] because he is still a youngster, but I think even [Khanyisa] Mayo [will do well],” Malatsi told FARPost.
“He [Khanyisa Mayo] didn’t hit his peak last season, but I believe he will improve significantly this season because when he initially returned from Algeria, we didn’t see his full potential. So I will definitely say Mfundo Vilakazi [will be the player to watch for Chiefs].
“However, Chiefs also need to recruit high-calibre talent because, with all due respect, some players they sign are simply not Chiefs material. The club must make major signings, but one thing is certain: I remain positive about Kaizer Chiefs’ prospects this season.”
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