With Kaizer Chiefs on a downward spiral, there could have been fears that the pressure could be too much for youngsters such as Mfundo Vilakazi thrown in at the deep end. The player's representative has opened up on the matter.
Chiefs announced last week that they have handed Vilakazi a senior-team contract that will keep him at the club until 2028.
READ: Part 1: Moira talks PMSS, being hijacked, and building a business empire
Amidst a difficult season for Amakhosi, interim coach Cavin Johnson has shown faith in youngsters such as Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba and Vilakazi.
With the side 1-0 down against Richards Bay FC in a DStv Premiership clash on Sunday, the coach raised eyebrows by bringing on Vilakazi, among other substitutes, to try and change the fortunes of the team.
Bringing on an 18-year-old when the chips are down could be considered too much pressure on the teenager's shoulders, but his representative Mike Makaab, CEO at ProSport International, was enthusiastic about Vilakazi's break into the Chiefs first team even in the difficult times.
"We saw the unbelievable skills of Vilakazi, not because we're representing him. I have to tell you, I had the fortune of representing Jabu Pule Mahlangu and I never thought that I would see another player with that talent, with unbelievable talent on the ball, until I saw Mfundo Vilakazi," Makaab said on Gagasi FM.
"He's probably one of the most exciting young players I've seen in this country for many years.
"I just hope, and we'll obviously play our part, that he keeps his feet on the ground, but more importantly, that the talent and skill is not coached out of him. Because you've got to encourage him to do what he's doing. He glides past defenders as if they don't exist and I'm surprised he wasn't played in a very wide position, so that he could unlock the low block. But I'm not a football coach, I'm purely an analyst these days," Makaab added.
READ | Chiefs legend: Bring back Arthur Zwane
The Glamour Boys suffered their fourth defeat in their last five matches after going down 1-0 against the Natal Rich Boyz and dropped down to tenth on the table.
You must be SIGNED IN to read and post comments.
Click HERE to register!
