Mfundo Vilakazi believes the 2026/27 season can be a defining campaign in his development as he looks to establish himself as one of South Africa’s leading young players.
The 20-year-old has already played an influential role in Kaizer Chiefs’ unbeaten start to the Betway Premiership and is determined to continue improving under new head coach Fernando Da Cruz.
Unbeaten to date
Kaizer Chiefs opened their league campaign with a 3-1 victory over Kruger United before following that up with a 2-0 win over Sekhukhune United.
They then drew 1-1 with reigning champions Mamelodi Sundowns, leaving Amakhosi on seven points from their opening three matches.
For Mfundo Vilakazi, the early results have provided confidence, but the young attacker knows there is still plenty of room for growth.
“To open the league with a win was a real confidence booster and we are aiming to be more consistent throughout the season,” Vilakazi said.
“Personally, I have goals to achieve this season in terms of growth and improvement. Belief in myself and the coach’s strategy, becoming even more of a team player and working even harder to help the team win.”
Vilakazi excited by Kaizer Chiefs’ new-look squad
The arrival of new players and a new technical team has created an upbeat atmosphere at Naturena, with Vilakazi particularly impressed by the impact of fellow youngster Langelihle Phili.
Phili has made an immediate impression since joining Chiefs, scoring in the 1-1 draw against Sundowns after being named man of the match on his debut.
Mfundo Vilakazi already knows Phili well after the pair represented South Africa together at youth level.
“Take Langelihle, he got man-of-the-match in his first game and scored against Sundowns in his second,” Vilakazi said.
“I played with him at national level so you can see when he scored I was so happy for him, because we go back a long way together, to the Under-20 COSAFA qualifiers, the Under-20 AFCON and the Under-20 World Cup.”
The young midfielder also praised Da Cruz and his coaching staff for the way they have settled into the club.
“The new coaches are very good. We trust them and just listen to them and follow their instructions. All in all, I believe we will have a good season.”
Kaizer Chiefs face Richards Bay test
Kaizer Chiefs now turn their attention to Richards Bay, with Amakhosi looking to return to winning ways after Mamelodi Sundowns scored a late equaliser to deny them all three points in their previous league outing.
Richards Bay, meanwhile, are still searching for their first league victory of the campaign after collecting two points from their opening three matches.
Vilakazi expects a difficult encounter, particularly with the match taking place on Richards Bay’s home patch.
“Richards Bay are a very good team and especially dangerous at home,” he said.
“But we are going there with confidence. Our technical team has done its analysis and we have a game plan that we believe will lead us to victory.”
Kaizer Chiefs will be aiming to maintain their unbeaten start and strengthen their position near the top of the table, while Vilakazi will be hoping to play another key role as he continues his development under Da Cruz.
“We are all in a good space and ready for the challenge. We want to build and maintain forward momentum, and that’s how we approach every game.”
The Betway Premiership clash between Richards Bay and Kaizer Chiefs takes place at Princess Magogo Stadium in KwaMashu on Wednesday, 26 August, with kick-off scheduled for 19:30.
Prediction
Richards Bay 1-2 Kaizer Chiefs
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