Kaizer Chiefs youngster motivated by criticism, won’t change his ways
Kaizer Chiefs youngster Mfundo Vilakazi, affectionately known as ‘Obrigado’ has opened up on showboating and pressure.
Vilakazi welcomes the pressure and won’t change
Mfundo Vilakazi came under scrutiny for his showboating in Chiefs’ recent 4-0 friendly defeat to Young Africans. Yanga playmaker Stephane Aziz Ki was especially critical, branding the player’s antics as “nonsense and a waste of time as the team is losing,” but Vilakazi has revealed the discussion he and manager Nasreddine Nabi had in the aftermath:
“After the showboating incident, coach Nabi told me that I couldn’t do it if the team is losing, and when I do it, I need to ensure that I do it in a progressive manner, attack, go forward so that the team can benefit,” Vilakazi explained to FARPost.
“During our chat, the coach said he doesn’t have a problem with my skills, but I must attack and not perform a skill going backwards because the team does not benefit at all and dribble when we are winning,” Vilakazi added.
“I still believe showboating has a place in pro football. We have fans to entertain, but it depends on when you do it, what’s the score, is the team leading or losing. All those factors come into play,” he said.
“What I have learned is that I should not dribble when the team is losing; I should only dribble around the 80th minute but only when the team is winning.”
The next generation has arrived
Talented playmaker Manqoba Ozoemena, nicknamed Pelembe, and 18-year-old winger Nkosana Mbuthu are part of the first-team furniture at Naturena. Mbuthu started the 4-0 friendly defeat to Young Africans at left-back because of an injury crisis at the club. Ozoemena achieved the rare feat of supplying three assists in one DDC game last season. That could be a hint as to how good he can become. He’s outgrown the Diski Challenge level. Meanwhile, left-footed holding midfielder Thulani Mabaso has also been invited to train with the seniors. Vilakazi, meanwhile, is still only 18 himself and will don the number 28 jersey in 2024-2025. With upheaval and major changes expected in the attacking third of the pitch, Vilakazi is likely to play a key role.
Obrigado ready to wow the fans
Obrigado is a word you’re likelier to hear in Portugal or at your nearest Vida E coffee outlet, but it’s also the nickname of a Glamour Boys superstar in the making. Mfundo ‘Obrigado’ Vilakazi is the next big thing at Naturena after shining for the DDC side. Expect flamboyance and showboating, when the time is right at least.
Are you a fan of Obrigado’s flashy ways?
Let us know by clicking on the comment tab below this article or emailing info@thesouthafrican.com. Meanwhile, you can also send a WhatsApp to 060 011 021 1. Follow @TheSAnews on X and The South African on Facebook for your social fix.
Kaizer Chiefs finished the 2023-2024 league campaign in tenth position, their worst placing in the history of the DStv Premiership. Their last league title came back in 2015, their most recent piece of major silverware. They begin the new 2024-2025 Betway Premiership campaign away to Marumo Gallants on 14 September.