Tshepo Bulu: Why Kaizer Chiefs youngsters are struggling

Amakhosi have registered nine youngsters in their 31-member squad this season partly because the club cannot bring in new players due to a FIFA transfer ban.

Goalkeeper Karabo Molefe (17), defenders Siyabonga Ngezana (23), Darrel Matsheke, Happy Mashiane (22), Reeve Frosler (22), midfielders Njabulo Blom (20), Nkosingiphile Ngcobo (21), Keletso Sifama (17) and Lebohang Lesako (21) will all play a crucial role in Gavin Hunt's plans this season. 

In 2007 Bulu joined Amakhosi at the age of 23 and a lot was expected of him, but he only lasted three seasons before he was shipped out to SuperSport United as injuries prevented him from reaching his full potential.

"No me, I didn't reach my full potential the way I wanted to because I was having a lot of injuries," Bulu tells snl24.com/kickoff.

"And the injuries I sustained were long-term injuries. Every time I was starting to get game I would be injured. So I didn't reach my full potential because of injuries."

Scroll through the gallery to see Chiefs' youngest debutants since 2006...

14. Phakamani Mngadi made his Chiefs debut aged 19 years 11 months and 3 days against University of Pretoria on 13 September 2014

13. Siyabonga Ngezana made his Chiefs debut aged 19 years 11 months and 2 days against Mamelodi Sundowns on 17 October 2017

12. Lucky Baloyi made his debut aged 19 years 10 months and 12 days against Mamelodi Sundowns on 1 May 2011

11. Njabulo Blom made his debut aged 19 years 9 months and 20 days against Golden Arrows on 1 October 2019

10. Lorenzo Gordinho made his debut aged 19 years 9 months and 16 days against Maritzburg United on 11 February 2014

9. Simphiwe Mtsweni made his debut aged 19 years 7 months and 9 days against Bloem Celtic on 19 February 2014

8. George Lebese made his debut aged 19 years 6 months and 27 days against Thanda Royal Zulu on 30 August 2008

7. Jonathan Quartey made his debut aged 19 years 4 months and 10 days against Jomo Cosmos on 25 August 2007.

6. Nkosingiphile Ngcobo made his debut aged 19 years 3 months and 21 days against Maritzburg United on 9 March 2019

5. Michael Nkambule made his debut aged 19 years 3 months and 17 days against Thanda Royal Zulu on 13 February 2005

4. Knowledge Musona made his debut aged 19 years 1 month and 18 days against Santos on 8 August 2009

3. Mandla Masango made his Chiefs debut aged 18 years and 28 days against Benoni Premier United on 15 August 2007.

2. Wiseman Meyiwa made his Chiefs debut aged 17 years 8 months and 17 days against Cape Town City on 12 September 2017

1. Keletso Sifama was 17 years, 8 months and 17 days when he made his debut against Polokwane City on 15 August 2020.

Bulu says having the senior players around him at the club helped him to settle.

"I think I got there at the right time with a lot of senior players around me. Even the coach introduced us at the right time when there was no pressure you see," he recalls.

"So at the moment I think the team not doing well is what brings too much pressure to these youngsters you understand. So it becomes very difficult for them to reach their potential while the team is not getting results.

"The senior players also need to play a role in guarding these young boys you see. If they can gain confidence by winning two or three games, then these boys can gel you understand.

"The pressure that Kaizer Chiefs is currently faced with means the youngsters are always scared you understand. Maybe even the pressure from the supporters every time they meet in the street asking them questions.

"Ngcobo is doing well, it's just that the team is not doing well. But as Coach Gavin likes to play youngsters, I think the supporters need to be a bit patient with the youngsters."