Kaizer Chiefs have on Wednesday rewarded their teenage sensation Mfundo Vilakazi with a long-term contract extension which will see him stay at Naturena until June 2028.
Vilakazi arrived at Amakhosi in 2021 as a under-17 youth development academy player, before being promoted to the reserve team, where he shone for two seasons.
The naturally gifted 18-year-old started training with the senior squad earlier this season. He was included in the team shortly afterwards, much to the delight of many Chiefs fans.
Already appeared on six occasions
The teen sensation has made the match day squad on six occasions, appearing twice from the bench. This in the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates and then in the Nedbank Cup round of 32 match against Milford FC.
The Soweto-born attacking midfielder expressed his delight at signing this contract. “I’m happy and excited to have a contract with a big club like Chiefs,” he told the club media.
“It has always been my dream from a young age to play for the senior team and represent Kaizer Chiefs. I am looking forward to contributing to the club and paying back the management for believing in my talent.
“I thank all the supporters who always push me to do better, I promise not to disappoint.”
Amakhosi sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jnr expressed his excitement about this development. “We are very excited to be able to conclude this contract extension,” Motaung Jnr said.
“Mfundo is an exceptional talent. And we are looking forward to seeing him showcase his God-given technical ability with the senior team for many years to come.
“It is now all about the hard work for the young man and we know he will do his best.
Testament to team’s development structures
“Mfundo’s promotion is a testament to the great work in our development structures. We have built an environment that is conducive to producing talent for the senior team. [And this] is fundamental to the ethos of Kaizer Chiefs.
“We have some hard-working people — from under-13 to the reserve side — who do not focus purely on winning. They focus mainly on producing top footballers for the senior team.”
Chiefs will return to DStv Premiership action when they confront relegation-threatened Richards Bay FC at the King Zwelithini Stadium, in Umlazi, on Sunday afternoon.
Kick-off time is at 3pm.
