Cavin Johnson, the interim coach of Kaizer Chiefs, feels that teenage sensation Mfundo Vilakazi can already lead a team of Amakhosi’s calibre, despite his youth.
He was speaking to the media after their uninspiring goalless draw against Polokwane City in the DStv Premiership match at the weekend.
The introduction of Vilakazi into the first team is arguably the only positive thing that has come out of what was a lackluster season for Amakhosi since Johnson took over the hot seat in October last year.
The 18-year-old was handed his senior debut during their Nedbank Cup upset against lower division side Milford FC in February.
The dribbling wizard has clearly been a game-changer and a bright spark on the field of play in recent games whenever he comes on for Amakhosi off the bench.
Similar to this at the weekend against Rise and Shine, Vilakazi changed the complexion of the game in the second half after a dull first half showing from the Glamour Boys.
Long-term contract extension
“Mfundo has come in and done well. He is getting longer game time, and as I said in the last game, he is ready, which means he will get more game time,” Johnson said.
“Whether he carries the team as a youngster or an old guy, it doesn’t matter because he is a Kaizer Chiefs player and is supposed to be doing that.
“So, I am just happy for him and what he has done in the few minutes he played [against Polokwane City].
“Whether he is going to do it in the next game [against Cape Town Spurs], the week after or the next 10 seasons, it’s got to do with him — looking at himself as an athlete and how he wants to represent himself.”
Recently, Amakhosi rewarded Vilakazi with a long-term contract extension, which will see him stay at Naturena until June 2028.
In their mission to conclude the campaign inside the top eight, Johnson will be desperate to finish the season with maximum points when they travel to the relegated Cape Town Spurs at the Cape Town Stadium on Saturday.
