Kaizer Chiefs coach Kaze urges Vilakazi to expand game as Amakhosi hit their stride

Kaizer Chiefs coach Cedric Kaze has urged young talent Mfundo Vilakazi to broaden his all-round game in order to continue growing as a footballer.

Emerging from a period of challenges, Chiefs have gradually risen above their difficulties. While their progress this season has been patchy at times, the club is undeniably showing major signs of improving.

Even more encouraging has been the faith shown in their youth, with their recent fixture against Orbit College offering a glimpse of the club’s present and future. The result itself also provided tangible evidence of the potential on display.

For a side that last season had to fight hard merely to finish in the top eight, Amakhosi are now just three points shy of the Betway Premiership summit, with one game in hand over log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.

The win over Orbit checked several boxes for the Glamour Boys. Mduduzi Shabalala delivered an impressive performance on the night, while Vilakazi showcased why he is regarded as one of the country’s most promising young talents.

Chiefs coach Kaze expressed satisfaction with his youngsters’ contributions but also stressed that there is room for further development.

“Vilakazi is one of the players that has a lot of room for progression; he is only 19 years old,” Kaze commented.

“Sometimes technical players tend to rely only on that aspect that they have, but this is the PSL; it is very physical, and people will run over you.

“It is an area that we wanted him to improve on because at some point you can go forward, but you need to keep and use the ball, and we know that he can make a difference in the last 30 meters of the opponents’ box, and he is good at that.

“But we want him to be a player that can hold the ball and challenge and defend better and do more than he is doing.”

Another exciting prospect, Asenele Velebayi, made his long-awaited debut following his move from recently relegated Motsepe Foundation Championship side Cape Town Spurs earlier this season.

Velebayi’s integration had been delayed, largely due to issues surrounding his transfer alongside teammate Luke Baartman, who joined Amakhosi on a free transfer after their former club dropped to the amateur ranks.

Kaze welcomed the 22-year-old into the squad, noting that he brings a different dimension to the team but urging patience as the youngster adapts to life at Naturena.

“He made his debut against Orbit College, but I want to emphasise that there is a process to bringing new players into the team," Kaze continued.

“Sometimes they take time to adjust to the team, and when you rush them, you can kill their confidence. He brings something different because he is a player that is willing to go on one-on-one encounters.

“He is the type of player that when you give him the ball in those types of situations, he likes to go forward, and he can also cross as well as get into the box and shoot. His performance was good for a first appearance, and we are certain he will continue to do well.”