Kaizer Chiefs youngster Mfundo "Obrigado" Vilakazi's star continues to rise, culminating in his inclusion in the Carling All-Star team and, more importantly, this will encourage him to step up into the Amakhosi first team.
While Vilakazi, the 17-year-old discovered during the Phyllis Games in Tembisa, is officially registered with the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) side, he's been impressing the senior team's technical staff during training stints. His dedication and talent has not gone unnoticed, with Siya sources close to the club indicating that there may be plans to integrate him fully into the first team from January.
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"This is not the first time that Mfundo (Vilakazi) has been training with the first team. During the off season he was one of the six DDC players who was called to train with the first team but he went back to the DDC side when the season began. He was recently recalled back to the first team and he is earmarked to be with the first team come January after the AFCON break. The technical team is impressed with his work rate and growth both as a player and as a person. They want him to continue growing with the senior players and learn from them," the source told Soccer Laduma.
Vilakazi's popularity extends beyond the training ground. His selection in the All-Star team, where fans voted for him in high numbers, has further bolstered his reputation.
A second Siya source discussed his inclusion in the All Stars team and how it could inspire Vilakazi to succeed at senior level.
"He is a fan favourite. Chiefs have always had such players like Doctor Khumalo and Jabu Pule and that's why management and the technical team have agreed that he can be drafted into the first team starting from January. But as you know he is registered with the DDC team and he could still play there as he acclimatizes himself with the senior team," the source added.
Chiefs did not comment on Vilakazi's first team chances when the Siya crew contacted the club. Nevertheless, the talented youngster is already earning comparisons to club legends, and appears poised to impress the All-Star team against Carling Knockout champions Stellenbosch FC on January 6, which could be a fitting prelude to Vilakazi's progress.
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