From academy to Africa: Thulani Mabaso’s Kaizer Chiefs dream gains momentum

Kaizer Chiefs touched down in Zambia on Saturday afternoon for their CAF Confederation Cup group-stage clash against Zesco United on Sunday (3pm kick-off), with two recent youth graduates – Thulani Mabaso and Takalani Mazhamba – in the senior team squad, continuing the club’s vow of “fulfilling dreams”.

Reserve team products who cut their teeth in the youth ranks, Mabaso and Mazhamba are the latest youngsters to be integrated into the senior team structures after the club made a significant number of promotions in recent years.

These include regular first-team players Mfundo Vilakazi, Mduduzi Shabalala and Aden McCarthy, while Wandile Duba, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Bruce Bvuma.

With Chiefs having had a quiet transfer window, the integration of the duo into the first team is expected to come in handy as Amakhosi seek success on all fronts, including on the continent, where they are chasing their first win in Group D against Zesco after losing to Al Masry and drawing with Zamalek.

The trip to Ndola may be Mabaso’s first international journey with the senior team for a competitive fixture, but he previously travelled with the squad during their pre-season tour of the Netherlands in winter.

His hard work and dedication – both in training and with the reserve team – paid dividends on Tuesday night when he made his professional debut for the club in their 1–0 Betway Premiership win over Lamontville Golden Arrows at home.

Mabaso, who worked his way up from the club’s U15 side to the senior team, made an impressive start to life at Amakhosi. He dictated play in midfield and came close to scoring on debut, with his long-range effort saved by goalkeeper Thakasani Mbanjwa.

“I think everyone knows that playing for Chiefs is everyone’s dream,” Mabaso said on the club’s website after his official debut. “From the moment I stepped onto the pitch, I told myself to believe, because in life sometimes you only get one chance, so I had to make the most of it.”

Born in Meadowlands, Soweto, Mabaso honed his skills at a township academy, where he was spotted by one of the club’s youth coaches, Tshidiso Letsholonyane – the brother of club legend Reneilwe Letsholonyane – for the U15 side.

After making his debut for Amakhosi in front of home supporters at FNB Stadium, Mabaso enjoyed a special moment with some of the coaches and teammates who helped unearth his talent at the Meadowlands Academy.

So, having risen from a township academy to play for one of the biggest clubs in the country, Mabaso is encouraged to do well at Amakhosi, which is why he has already set clear targets for himself.

“I want to win trophies for Kaizer Chiefs because this is a big club and a winning team,” he said. “We have to win cups and make our fans happy.

“Our supporters spend their hard-earned money - sometimes their last cent - to come and watch us, and we have to give our all on the pitch for them and for ourselves. I promise to work as hard as I can to help put silverware in the trophy cabinet.”

Chiefs coach Cedric Kaze, speaking after the youngster’s debut against Abafana Bes’thende, said Mabaso has earned his opportunity and must now grab it with both hands by remaining consistent.

“I think he is a player who has shown us that he can be consistent,” Kaze said. “I have been in youth setups before, but I believe that here in South Africa we sometimes give too much too early to youngsters.

“We went with him to the Netherlands and he played very well. We wanted to see his consistency, and he also performed well in the DDC in England. He played in the Carling Cup, and you could see he is a player with character.

“He does not shy away when playing against experienced players. We want players with character and personality - players who show that they deserve to be there. You cannot have just one good game and get promoted. You have to be consistent.