KAIZER Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze believes the derby is not the time to retreat from trusting young talent, as he backs Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala to shine against Orlando Pirates on Saturday.
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With pressure mounting and title hopes fragile, Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has thrown his support behind the club’s young stars ahead of a defining Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates.
The Amakhosi mentor has dismissed concerns around his young stars ahead of Saturday’s Soweto Derby, insisting belief, guidance and collective responsibility will be key when Amakhosi face their fiercest rivals.
Chiefs welcome Orlando Pirates to a sold-out FNB Stadium, knowing victory is essential to keep their Betway Premiership title ambitions alive.
Amakhosi currently trail Pirates — and log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns — by eight points, leaving little margin for error.
Much of the spotlight has fallen on youth. Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi have carried expectation and criticism in equal measure in recent weeks, with form fluctuations placing their contributions under scrutiny.
On Saturday, they are expected to be among the names announced before close to 90,000 supporters — an atmosphere that can either elevate or overwhelm.
Kaze, however, believes the derby is not the time to retreat from trusting young talent.
Speaking at a press conference in Nasrec on Thursday, the Chiefs coach stressed that guidance, rather than protection, is what young players need in moments of intensity.
“It’s where the coaching comes in with young players because sometimes they want to play for themselves and sometimes forget to work for the team,” Kaze said.
“It’s those kinds of things that they need to understand in terms of ensuring that they perform because they will be even better if the rest of the team performs.”
For Kaze, experience in the fixture — regardless of age — matters more than public perception. He pointed out that several of Chiefs’ youngsters are no longer strangers to derby pressure.
“I believe we have youngsters that have proven their volume in terms of showing they’re up to the task, having played one or two derbies already. The likes of Mfundo, Shabba, they have played before.”
Team news ahead of the clash presents both encouragement and caution.
Defender Inacio Miguel has returned to training after missing matches following his injury in the Nedbank Cup defeat to Stellenbosch FC, but his availability will only be confirmed after further assessment.
“It is true that Miguel has missed a couple of games following his injury in the Nedbank Cup game against Stellenbosch. He’s had two lighter training sessions with the group and he will be assessed today to see if he’s able to feature,” Kaze explained.
Midfielder Sibongiseni Mthethwa is expected to be available despite not being fully fit, while Etiosa Ighodaro remains sidelined. There is also positive news with Thabo Cele returning from injury, though George Matlou will miss out.
In a derby that often ignores logic and league position, Chiefs’ faith in youth may yet define their afternoon.