Kaizer Chiefs’ ‘Stevie G’ reveals plan to catch Da Cruz’s attention

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Steven ‘Stevie G’ Mendes believes a standout performance at the upcoming COSAFA U20 Championship could be his ticket to first-team football, following the path of former youth stars like Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Mfundo Vilakazi.

Named in the final squad for the tournament in Mozambique, Mendes is determined to make his mark after missing out on previous national team selections at the U17 level.

He sees the competition as a dual opportunity: to achieve glory with Amajita and to catch the eye of the senior setup at his club.

The current Amajita squad carries the heavy burden of being defending champions, a status Mendes says is a powerful motivator. The team is drawn in Group B with Lesotho, Angola, and Eswatini for the tournament, which also serves as a qualifier for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.

Speaking to the media, Mendes explained how the achievements of the previous generation have inspired the new-look side.

Mendes to use Amajita as springboard

“We saw last year what this team (Amajita) did for individuals, and I think everyone in this team wants the same to happen to them,” Mendes stated as quoted by Soccer Laduma.

“That just pushes us more, makes us work hard and makes us want to win the tournament so that we can get recognition. Overall, I think it just helps us mentally, saying there are opportunities that come from this.”

The midfielder also touched on his personal journey, expressing his relief and excitement at rejoining the national setup after the disappointment of being left out of the U17 squad.

“It’s always a privilege being in the national team. It was a hard time being out of the last one for the Under-17, but obviously I am glad to be back. I can’t wait to play for this badge again,” he added.

Chiefs starlet admits U20 pressure

While acknowledging the pressure that comes with their champion status, Mendes is confident the team is prepared to rise to the occasion and defend their title.

“We go into a tournament where we are currently champions, so I think we know what comes with that. We know the pressure and we are just going to do our best to do what the last team did and even do better,” he affirmed.

“We’ve studied the three teams in our group; however, we are just focusing on ourselves at the moment, making sure that the team gels nicely and we are working through our formations.”

Amajita are scheduled to depart for Mozambique on Friday ahead of their opening fixture against Lesotho on Saturday.