For a long time the big three clubs of South African football have not given youngsters a chance to shine, but things are starting to change. While having star players, as well as experience, is important, youngsters should also be given an opportunity to display their abilities in the first team. And right now, Amakhosi are benefitting from injuries sustained by their more experienced campaigners in recent weeks.
When George Maluleka was out nursing a knock, coach Steve Komphela turned to young midfielder Wiseman Meyiwa for the Absa Premiership clash against Cape Town City. This is a player who had done well for the national under-17s and 20s, playing in FIFA World Cups for both age groups. With tons of experience at an international level, Meyiwa was unfazed by the challenging of facing a City side that had been tipped to overcome Chiefs in the Mother City, having done so last season. But Meyiwa was the star of the show on the night, becoming the youngest Chiefs player to score on debut at age 17.
Last night, Amakhosi went into the match against Mamelodi Sundowns at Loftus as underdogs, but they finished as 2-1 winners on the night, thanks to the contribution of a 19-year-old defender who was named man of the match. With Kgotso Moleko and Ramahlwe Mphahlele out with injuries, Komphela gave young Siyabonga Ngezana an opportunity to play at the back against a Sundowns side that had attacking threats such as Khama Billiat, Themba Zwane and Percy Tau. Not only did he do well in defence, but Ngezana got his name on the scoresheet on debut, raising his hand for more first team appearances in future.
Injuries may have left coach Komphela thin in certain positions, but it also gave him an opportunity to refresh his squad with young players who are hungry to make names for themselves. It showed that Chiefs do in fact have young players within their ranks that can do the job. All they need is an opportunity.