Kaizer Chiefs’ future appears to be in good hands after a number of the club’s younger players impressed recently against Bloemfontein Celtic in the Macufe Cup.
Despite Chiefs losing the game 1-0, some of the club’s young stars were said to have really caught the eye.
Among some of those involved were the club’s latest signing, Ivan Bukenya, as well as Simphiwe Mtsweni, Lorenzo Gordinho, Reyaad Pieterse, Philani Cele, Nicholas Mynhardt, Chris Matombo and Hendrik Ekstein.
Read: Mynhardt For Chiefs Exit
Read: Bukenya On Playing For Chiefs
Read: Pieterse Grows In Chiefs Reserves
The Siya crew did a little digging to find out more about Amakhosi’s less high profile young stars. We got some background on Mtsweni, Gordinho and Cele, as the trio played some significant minutes in the Celtic match.
Simphiwe Mtsweni
Age: 19
Position: Left back
Some background on the player: Nicknamed ‘Starter Pack’, Mtsweni is contracted to Chiefs until June 2015. The Stars of Africa Academy graduate is described as a skilful left fullback who can give the likes of Tsepo Masilela and Keegan Ritchie a run for their money.
Lorenzo Gordinho
Age: 19
Position: Central defender
Some background on the player: Described as a cool, calm and collected operator as a centre back, Gordinho is said to be in good company as he learns his trade from the likes of Morgan Gould, Eric Mathoho and Tefu Mashamaite. The defender is nicknamed ‘Freedom’ and is contracted to Chiefs until June 2016.
Philani Cele
Age: 21
Position: Attacking midfielder
Some background on the player: Discovered by Chiefs’ assistant coach, Doctor Khumalo, Cele’s introduction in the second half against Celtic brought Chiefs to life. Baxter described his movement in the game as very good as it gave Siwelele plenty of headaches between their lines. The club seem to have high hopes for the up and coming young prodigy.
Other young names to look out for: In the Celtic game Baxter also sent on youth development products, Chris Matombo and Hendrik Ekstein, for the final few minutes. He later said he did this to give the teenagers a feel of first team football.
A potential Chiefs rising star: The Siya crew recently reported on the possible future emergence of Chiefs U17 striker Brendan Konki. The young ace has reportedly hit 34 goals which includes six hatricks and four braces, and he’s the top goalscorer in the Soweto Football Association.
Read: Promising Chiefs Youngster On rise
Follow David on Twitter: @DavidLaduma
