Kaizer Chiefs Star Mfundo Vilakazi Dismisses Criticism with Defiant Statement Ahead of New Season
Johannesburg, August 17, 2024 – Kaizer Chiefs starlet Mfundo Vilakazi has taken a firm stance against recent criticism of his playing style, insisting that he remains focused on his development and the team’s success as the 2024/25 Betway Premiership season approaches.
Vilakazi, a highly touted 18-year-old attacking midfielder, has faced a wave of criticism for his flashy and flamboyant style of play. Critics argue that his penchant for showboating and excessive flair detracts from the team’s overall performance and effectiveness. The backlash intensified following a less-than-stellar performance in the Toyota Cup against Young Africans last month, where Vilakazi’s team suffered a 4-0 defeat. His showboating during the match was particularly noted and disparaged by fans and pundits alike.
Young Africans’ talisman, Stephen Aziz Ki, was particularly vocal in his criticism, describing Vilakazi’s display as “nonsense” and implying that it was detrimental to the team’s prospects. This criticism has not deterred Vilakazi, however. In an interview, he conveyed that he remains largely unaffected by the negative comments circulating on social media.
“I usually don’t read comments on social media,” Vilakazi stated. “So I don’t think [the criticism] affected me or hurt me because I don’t care what people say as long as the coach [Nasreddine Nabi] is happy and the team as well.”
Vilakazi is confident that the same critics will soon sing a different tune. “I’m saying this because the very same people who are talking, the league is starting soon, and I will score, and the people who have been criticising me will be praising me, saying: ‘Mfundo must go play overseas’, and all that,” he added. “They would have forgotten that we played against Young Africans, and I dribbled, and they criticised me. So I take criticism as motivation to work extra hard, and if they praise me, I must continue with the good work.”
As he prepares for his first full season in the Premier Soccer League (PSL) under new coach Nasreddine Nabi, Vilakazi has been working on specific areas for improvement. Nabi, known for nurturing young talent, has communicated clear expectations to Vilakazi. “The coach said that I have the ability to take on players, score, and assist,” Vilakazi revealed. “He also said that I have the technique to shoot at goal. So what he expects from me is to shoot more and have more attempts at goal until I get it right and improve my game.”
Vilakazi is not alone in the spotlight, as other promising young players like Nkosana Mbuthu, Mduduzi Shabalala, and Samkelo Zwane are also expected to play crucial roles for Chiefs this season. The emphasis on youth under Nabi’s regime suggests an exciting future for the club, with Vilakazi being a key figure in their plans.
Currently, Vilakazi is representing South Africa in international fixtures, playing with the Under-20 side. He scored in their first friendly match against Lesotho’s U-20 team, which saw Amajita secure a 3-1 victory. The second match of the international friendlies is scheduled for Sunday, August 18, as the team continues their preparations for the 2024 COSAFA U-20 Championships, set to commence in September.
With the new season on the horizon, Vilakazi’s determination to prove his critics wrong and fulfill his potential remains unwavering. Fans and analysts alike will be watching closely to see if he can turn the criticism into triumph on the field.
