Kaizer Chiefs attacking sensation Mfundo Vilakazi has lifted the lid on a private conversation with head coach Fernando Da Cruz regarding showboating, revealing the exact guidance given to him by the French tactician.
Vilakazi opened up about the widespread debate about showboating in South African football at the Soweto Derby press conference in Randburg on Thursday.
The SA youth international is aiming to propel Amakhosi to victory in the upcoming encounter against Orlando Pirates in the Betway Premiership.
Chiefs and Pirates will lock horns at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon [15:30 CAT] with three points and the Soweto Derby bragging rights at stake.
The two giants are heading into the Soweto Derby oozing confidence after winning their respective midweek matches 3-0.
Chiefs defeated TS Galaxy 3-0 in the Carling Knockout Cup Last 16, while Pirates beat Milford FC with the same scoreline at Orlando Amstel Arena on Tuesday night.
With the two sides facing off in a high-stakes match, Vilakazi is expected to be one of the players to catch the eye of fans watching with keen interest.
VILAKAZI OPENS UP ON HIS PRIVATE CONVERSATION WITH DA CRUZ
The Soweto-born star, who plays with flair, has spoken out about his game, revealing that Da Cruz told him showboating is unnecessary when the team is not winning.
“When the coach arrived, he told me that he knows my style of play, but sometimes it’s not necessary for me to be showboating,” Vilakazi said.
“But he didn’t say I must stop doing it, but what I told myself is that the team comes first. I can’t be showboating when my team is not getting the results. If we start getting the results, I can start to do that, but sometimes you don’t plan the showboating; it just happens.”
Mfundo came through the Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] side before gaining promotion to the senior team in January 2024. The 20-year-old has already featured in 72 appearances in all competitions, scoring seven goals and providing five assists.
Vilakazi also formed part of the Chiefs squad that lifted the 2025 Nedbank Cup trophy, which ultimately ended the club’s 10-year trophy drought.
Meanwhile, Vilakazi will be eager to help Amakhosi push rivals Pirates and Mamelodi Sundowns in the Betway Premiership title race. Chiefs currently sit fifth on the log with 14 points from eight matches—boasting three wins and five draws.
They trail second-placed Pirates [22 points] by seven points, while log leaders Sundowns [23 points] hold an eight-point advantage over the Glamour Boys.
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