Mfundo Vilakazi's absence in the Kaizer Chiefs' DStv Diski Challenge squad that reopened their season on Saturday raised eyebrows and the reason has been revealed.
There was a lot of anticipation for Vilakazi to grace the Diski Challenge reopening festival in Tsakane Stadium, as Chiefs resumed their campaign against Chippa United.
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The 18-year-old raised his status as one of the upcoming stars to look out for after scoring a sublime free-kick for Carling All Stars XI, who beat Stellenbosch 2-1 to win the Black Label Cup.
The Glamour Boys also raised expectations that 'Obrigado' would feature as a 'drawcard' to their clash against the Chilli Boys in a preview on their official website.
However, Vilakazi was not in the squad, as Chiefs had a lot of new faces in the line-up in a 2-2 draw against Chippa.
Head coach Vela Khumalo explained after the game that they have promoted a lot of players, hence their team had many new players in the line-up.
"You know the plus factor is that we've promoted so many players. I think 90 percent of these boys we promoted and 90 percent (of new players) they are starting now, it is work in progress again. We try to cook again," Khumalo said on SuperSport TV after the match.
"We'll be happy very soon, I see it is happening, I see it is building up. We only need to beef up here and there and wait for other players coming from our development. You will see, it is getting better, it will get better," he said.
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Amakhosi's prolific goalscorer in the Diski Challenge Donay Jansen, who was also not in the squad, was reportedly invited to train with the senior team by interim coach Cavin Johnson recently.
