Mfundo Vilakazi, the Kaizer Chiefs prodigy whose talent was recently in the spotlight, has a New Year's wish that burns with the intensity: a first-team debut for Amakhosi before the final whistle blows on the season.
Vilakazi, fresh off his Carling All-Stars heroics where he opened the scoring with a cheeky free-kick, is no stranger to applause. Voted into the All-Stars XI by the fans, he proved his mettle among seasoned stars like Khune and the watchful eye of Orlando Pirates coach Jose Riveiro.
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"My hope for 2024 is to make my senior team debut," Vilakazi told SABC Sport.
"I'm happy to have made the people proud. It's something I've been doing in the MDC (MultiChoice Diski Challenge now DStv Diski Challenge) also and I'm happy people recognise my talent," he added.
But the All-Star stage provided a platform even grander, a chance to shine under respected rival mentor Riveiro's discerning gaze and alongside Amakhosi royalty like Khune. And shine he did, carving out his own space amidst the giants.
"I'm happy to have made them proud. We have managed to make people proud at a higher level (than the Diski Challenge)."
The advice from Riveiro allowed him to express himself freely and do anything whenever on the ball and play like he has been doing in the youth set-up for the Glamour Boys. The early goal, a testament to his skill and composure, may have calmed his nerves, but his ambition remained unfazed.
Riveiro's words were like a coach's benediction.
"He just told me not to be scared, but be myself, get the ball and do my thing. I mustn't be scared to play my normal game, but must play like it's the MDC.
"The goal did help me to settle, but it wasn't really a big thing," he said.
With Amakhosi currently in Africa Cup of Nations hibernation, as interim coach Cavin Johnson spends more time with the squad, Vilakazi waits, his eyes fixed on the horizon of February, when TS Galaxy arrive at Naturena.
This, for him, isn't just another game; it's a potential gateway to fulfilling his debut dream.
So, keep your eyes peeled for when Vilakazi takes the field in Amakhosi colours at some point in the coming months, it won't just be a debut. It could be the unleashing of a young starlet, hungry to impress further, fueled by the dreams of this All Star experience.
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