Mfundo Vilakazi has always been influenced by Fernando Da Cruz, a tactically demanding disciplinarian who expects his players to follow his instructions and make the right decisions on the pitch.
That relationship is now becoming increasingly important as the 20 year old attacking midfielder continues to develop under the Kaizer Chiefs head coach.
Vilakazi revealed that upon his arrival at Naturena, the tactician explicitly promised to transform him into the best player in the PSL this season.
“When the coach arrived, he told me this season he wants to make me the best player in the PSL,” the Soweto-born star said on SABC Sport.
“He believes in me, all I have to do is listen and do what he wants me to do on the field. I have to block out the noise and not listen to what people are saying outside.”
MFUNDO VILAKAZI IS MAKING BETTER DECISIONS
Da Cruz has managed to keep Amakhosi unbeaten over their opening six fixtures, although the team’s overall performances have lacked fluidity.
Kaizer Chiefs have ground out decent results, but the fluid and dominant football supporters crave remains a work in progress. Amid those collective teething problems, Vilakazi’s evolution has provided a genuine spark.
For a long time, Vilakazi divided opinion among Kaizer Chiefs supporters.
Blessed with undeniable flair, he often attracted criticism for a predictable and individualistic approach. The youngster would hug the touchline before cutting inside and unleashing shots, even when well placed teammates were left isolated.
Under Da Cruz, Vilakazi has had to shed that “showpony” label simply to survive in a grinding Kaizer Chiefs side.
The influence of his demanding coach is becoming increasingly clear in his decision making. “He moves the ball quicker, looks for the extra pass, and makes the right decisions,” local football analyst Farouk Khan noted. “The maturity shift is immense.”
The numbers back up Vilakazi’s individual efficiency during this tough opening patch. Across six league appearances, Vilakazi has logged 420 minutes on the pitch and recorded an impressive 7.4 average FotMob match rating.
Instead of stalling transitions, the playmaker has distributed 152 total passes with a solid 81% passing accuracy per game.
PRODUCING WHEN KAIZER CHIEFS NEED HIM
Rather than playing for the gallery, Vilakazi has directly secured crucial points for a struggling Kaizer Chiefs attack. He registered an assist during a tough 3-1 victory over Kruger United. on 1 August 2026.
He later delivered the decisive blow on 6 September 2026, scoring in a chaotic 3-2 triumph against Siwelele FC.
While club legend Tsepo Masilela has preached patience regarding Vilakazi’s long term consistency, the youngster’s willingness to prioritise the scoreboard over individual highlights is a massive plus.
Kaizer Chiefs’ unbeaten start might be uninspiring overall, but Vilakazi’s adaptation under a tactically demanding disciplinarian like Da Cruz shows that he is ready to lift the team even when the collective performance is not clicking.
The flair remains, but Vilakazi is increasingly showing that he can combine his natural creativity with the tactical discipline demanded by his coach.
WHAT ELSE DO YOU EXPECT FROM MFUNDO VILAKAZI?
Share your thoughts by clicking on the red comments block below.
