COMMENT | Kaizer Chiefs’ youngsters spark revival as Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi shine

The Kaizer Chiefs train is slowly but surely moving. The club has its return on capital investment - the youngsters, particularly Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi - to thank.

Shabalala and Vilakazi were on song when Chiefs thrashed newcomers Orbit College 4–1 at FNB Stadium in a league match on Tuesday night. Shabalala scored a brace and assisted Vilakazi’s third goal and Flavio Silva's late strike.

Chiefs not only drew level with champions and then-log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on 22 points after the game - despite trailing on goal difference - but they also eased the pressure on the team and co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef.

The duo had come under heavy scrutiny after the club decided to retain them as co-coaches following the sacking of their superior, Nasreddine Nabi, who had originally brought them in as his assistants.

Their campaign initially faltered as they endured a winless streak in the league and were eliminated from the Carling Knockout by Stellenbosch away from home.

But they seem to have turned the corner. They led Chiefs to qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage and have now won their last two games against Durban City and Orbit College, respectively. In all those matches, Shabalala and Vilakazi have played central roles.

Shabalala has shown immense growth over the past few months, beginning to live up to expectations at the club.

When the team handed him a professional contract a few seasons ago, he was regarded as one of the best youngsters to come through the reserve league and was expected to make an immediate impact in top-flight football.

But that wasn’t the case. Shabalala struggled to make an early impact at the club and in the league, later admitting that fellow youngsters Relebohile Mofokeng and his former Orlando Pirates teammate Mohau Nkota were miles ahead of him last season - a reality aided by the stronger environment they had at the Buccaneers.

While Chiefs were clearly struggling to produce results and consistent performances, Shabalala should arguably have stood head and shoulders above the rest. But better late than never.

The 21-year-old is coming of age. His performances have been central to reviving Amakhosi’s season. As a result, he has also caught the attention of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos, who handed him his debut in South Africa’s 3–0 win over Rwanda in their last 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier at Mbombela Stadium last month.

With Broos set to name his final 23-man squad for the friendly against Zambia on Thursday morning, Shabalala is expected to make the cut. Should he continue in this form, he could well be part of the team that represents South Africa at the AFCON tournament in Morocco next month.

The impact of national team experience is also evident in Vilakazi’s development. After an impressive campaign with the U20 national team - Amajita - at the World Cup in Qatar, Vilakazi has shown steady progress.

His growth up front has been a joy to watch. For the first time in his professional career, he has started three games in a row and made significant contributions to the team. He registered two assists in the win over AS Simba to help Chiefs qualify for the group stage and added a goal against Orbit College.

Vilakazi’s style of play is characterised by constructive football and flair. He produced an incredible piece of skill against Orbit, easing past Yanga Madiba with precision - a moment that drew loud applause from teammates, fans, and the technical team alike.

While Broos has said he is not yet looking to integrate players from the U20 setup into Bafana Bafana, it may be difficult for him to overlook Vilakazi’s efforts if the youngster continues to impress with each passing game.