Kaizer Chiefs’ Naturena Academy continues to gain recognition and make an impact in South African football.
Khulumani Ndamane’s Rise to Prominence
You might recall the young Kaizer Chiefs player who moved from the reserve team to TS Galaxy ahead of this season. Khulumani Ndamane, a 20-year-old central defender, has been exceptional, making 16 appearances this season and playing a key role in TS Galaxy’s 12-match unbeaten run. His coach, Beganovic, has praised Ndamane’s maturity and skills, highlighting his ability to play with the confidence of a seasoned player despite his youth.
“He’s almost 20 years old, but plays with the calm and assurance of a 35-year-old. No mistakes, whether it’s in the air or on the ground. He’s a fantastic player,” said Beganovic. “He has incredible skills, is fast, and knows how to play long passes. He’s calm and composed when building up play, and I’m sure every team in the PSL will want to buy him soon.”
Makabi Lilepo Shines for Kaizer Chiefs
Kaizer Chiefs’ new winger, Makabi Lilepo, might have found his future as a central forward, according to Junior Khanye.
Lilepo, who impressed on his debut against Orlando Pirates and in the 2-2 draw with AmaZulu, scored his first goal for Chiefs against Stellenbosch FC. He was named Man of the Match for his efforts, and Lilepo revealed that he had spent weeks watching Chiefs games before joining to familiarize himself with the team and players.
“I took some time to watch Chiefs’ games before joining, so I already knew the players and what to expect,” Lilepo shared with SuperSport TV.
Khanye, however, sees Lilepo’s potential as a striker rather than a winger. “Lilepo looks more like a number nine than a winger. The way he scored with that header, directing it where the goalkeeper came from, shows he’s got the right technique for a striker,” said Khanye. “He’s a constant threat because of his speed, and every time he had the ball, something looked likely to happen. Well done to him and the team. A win like this eases the pressure, but they need to maintain consistency moving forward.”
