Four Kaizer Chiefs youngsters poised to impress in the Betway Premiership this season
Since his arrival at Kaizer Chiefs, Tunisian coach Nasreddine Nabi has made it known that he wants to give youth a chance as he attempts to bring back the glory days after a difficult period for the Phefeni Glamour Boys.
And his faith on youth has already paid off in the first Betway Premiership league match of the season as the Soweto giants defeated Marumo Gallants 2-1, with goals coming from the youth in Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi.
As Amakhosi kicked off against Gallants on Saturday, Nabi stayed true to his word by fielding the club's youngsters, and they did not disappoint.
IOL Sport's Mthobisi Nozulela takes a look at some of the young players, who are poised to impress for Amakhosi this season.
90 + 4'| 🟥#MG 1 : 2 #KC
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) September 14, 2024
Full time score: (Sithole 8’) Marumo Gallants 1 : 2 Kaizer Chiefs (Shabalala 17’, Vilakazi 79’)
Betway Man of the Match: Bradley Cross#Amakhosi4Life #AlwaysHome #BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/c0ajEh7A2G
Mfundo Vilakazi
Vilakazi is largely viewed as one of the brightest prospects in South African football and on Saturday, the 18-year-old lived up to the hype as he came off the bench to score a superb curling left-foot finish from outside the box to help Amakhosi claim victory.
Following his exploits, Nabi joined the chorus of voices who have hailed Vilakazi for his prodigious talents, emphasising the need to protect the young star from the media.
“Vilakazi is a young boy, he has a big talent and I do protect him. I protect him from the media,” he said.
With a coach who fully backs him as top talent Vilakazi could have a breakout season.
Mduduzi Shabalala
The 20-year-old has been part of Amakhosi's senior team for some time now having been promoted in 2022.
Since his move to the big leagues, he has struggled to replicate the form that saw being seen as the next big thing in South African football during his time in the DStv Diski Shield competition.
However, against Marumo Gallants on Saturday Shabalala looked, made a difference as he scored Chief’s equaliser after a lovely long ball from Gaston Sirino.
His skilfulness and versatility were on full display as he constantly gave the Gallants defence problems, like with Vilakazi, given enough game time he could prove to be one of the best players in the league.
Rushwin Dortley
The 22-year-old was one of the stand-out players at relegated Cape Town Spurs last season.
As a result of his impressive displays he was signed by the Soweto giants on a three-year deal as they looked to patch up their shaky defence.
At just 22, Dortley is already part of Bafana Bafana and played in Afcon Qualifiers against South Sudan and Uganda.
He could be vital for Kaizer Chiefs this season as they look redeem themselves after a disastrous campaign last season.
Donay Jansen
The 21-year-old skilful wing-back was recently handed a new improved contract at “Phefeni Glamour Boys” having been promoted after impressing in the DStv Diski Challenge (DDC).
He was on the bench on Saturday as Amakhosi defeated Gallants, Jansen is expected to play a role for Chiefs at some point this season.
@Nozulelasays
IOL Sport