Former Pirates winger recalls first encounter with Vilakazi – ‘Chiefs promotion wasn’t a surprise’

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Former Orlando Pirates winger Sifiso Myeni has revealed he knew Kaizer Chiefs youngster Mfundo Vilakazi would hit greater heights after seeing him in amateur leagues.

The duo met at the Walter Sisulu Discovery Football tournament where the versatile Amakhosi teenager proved his quality. After securing a deal with the Soweto giants, Vilakazi has taken less time to secure a place in the senior team.

In the 2023/24 season, he made seven appearances for the team. In the ongoing edition, the teenager has made 20 appearances across all competitions with two goals and an assist. However, his exploits haven't shocked Myeni who insists the youngster is just beginning and will eventually go further.

He argues the Chiefs attacker has improved a lot and as long as he remains consistent, he will have many seasons under his belt.

Vilakazi has quality – Myeni

Mfundo Vilakazi. Photo Kaizer Chiefs

“I met [Mfundo] Vilakazi a long time ago when he was still a young boy at the Discovery tournament in Soweto. I may not be exact about the year, but I think he was 12 to 15 years old during that time,” he told FARPost.

“During a match, there’s one pass that he handled before releasing it. It was quality. After the match, I spoke to him, and I said, ‘You have a lot of talent, you’re skillful, keep on working hard. One day you’re going to be a professional player playing in the league’.

“When I saw the news that he’s been promoted to Chiefs senior team, it wasn’t a surprise to me. I’ve always known that the boy has quality, and it was just a matter of time before his opportunity came.

“I think he has improved a lot, and he’s still going to improve. He’s young. He still has many more seasons to play. My hope for him is that he stays fit and grounded. Now and then, we chat on the phone sometimes,” Myeni concluded. 

Former Pirates winger recalls first encounter with Vilakazi – ‘Chiefs promotion wasn’t a surprise’

Willis Sob

Willis Sob is an experienced journalist who has been in the game since 2009, covering major assignments around the continent.
His hunger for African football is unmatched, always getting the best angles and facts to feed the fans and quench their thirst.