Kaizer Chiefs emerging talents Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi have been touted to take their performances to the next level after their recent international exploits.
Shabalala, 21, was part of the Bafana Bafana squad that secured qualification to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, earning his debut in the 3-0 win over Rwanda, while the teenage sensation Vilakazi played all four games as the U-20 side reached the last 16 of the U-20 FIFA World Cup in Chile.
Both have since returned to club action and formed part of the squad in DR Congo, where Chiefs faced AS Simba in their first leg CAF Confederation Cup second preliminary round tie as the clash ended 0-0.
“For me it’s no surprise [Mdu and Vilakazi], I know these young boys, I know what they are capable to give, in this case for their country [South Africa], and I know they can even do more, so I’m happy for them,” captain Inacio Miguel said.
“I’m very proud of their work they have been doing at Kaizer Chiefs and they getting rewards with the national teams – I hope they keep their feet on their ground and they keep working because this is just the beginning for them.”
Chiefs take on the Linafoot side at Dobsonville in the return leg on Sunday, 26 October, with a spot in the group stages up for grabs.
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