Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge coach Vela Khumalo has expressed his excitement about highly-rated defender Omega Mdaka’s move to Stellenbosch FC, urging him to work harder than before.
Mdaka signed his first professional contract on a long-term basis with Stellenbosch recently.
“We are excited to welcome a player of Omega’s potential to the club,” said Stellenbosch CEO Rob Benadie.
Bright future ahead
“He has a bright future ahead of him. And I do not doubt that Stellenbosch is the right place for him to develop his talent.”
Mdaka progressed through the Kaizer Chiefs development ranks and made a name for himself as the future of the club in the reserve league under the guidance of Khumalo.
The 20-year-old did, however, find himself and four other players clubless. This after being shown the door by the club for refusing to be ballboys in a match involving the senior team.
Khumalo once said he was concerned about seeing Mdaka sitting at home during the duration of last season. However, he has since expressed his delight and wished Mdaka well at Stellies.
“We are wishing Omega the best of luck at Stellenbosch. He must represent himself, his family, and the club very well,” Khumalo told Sunday World.
Makes me feel proud of them
“He must work very hard and just go out there and showcase his talent whenever he gets the opportunity.
“I always refer anything and everything to my background of teaching and in teaching. You teach all the kids that come to your class or school. In such a way that you want the best out of them and have a future.
“So, when you see them prosper, you always say, ‘I have done my part’. And that on its own gives you fulfilment. You have done what was asked of you to do, and it is finally happening.
“My life with these kids is also based on education as well. Seeing them graduating to the first team or joining other teams makes me proud. [I realise] that they are prospering in their careers.”
Two other Chiefs DDC stars in the defensive duo of Puso Dithejane and Khulumani Ndamane have joined TS Galaxy.
The likes of Donay Jansen and Mfundo Vilakazi officially promoted to the first team. Siphesihle Tati and other DDC players in Turkey are also with the first team. Khumalo confirmed that there will be a couple of new faces in the Amakhosi reserve team next season.
New faces in reserve team
“Most definitely, we will be seeing new faces because we don’t have Donay and Mfundo. Those that have been promoted and the ones who left the club.
“So, because of that, we will get other players coming from our development. So there will be new faces for sure.
“That is what development is all about. We introduce them, expose them to the world, and get another pool of new players. It’s an ongoing process and conveyor belt that we have going on. It doesn’t stop,” he added.
