Kaizer Chiefs head coach, Nasreddine Nabi, has shared his thoughts on the challenges currently facing one of the clubβs promising development products, Mfundo Vilakazi. The young midfielder, who has been making waves in the Chiefs youth academy, has been widely regarded as one of the most exciting prospects to emerge from the club’s development system in recent years. However, Nabi, who joined Chiefs in the summer of 2024, has identified a key area of concern in Vilakaziβs development that needs attention.
According to Nabi, the primary challenge for the 20-year-old Vilakazi lies in his ability to adapt to the demands of top-flight football, particularly the physical and tactical aspects of the game. While Vilakazi has shown great promise in the youth teams, including impressive performances in the DStv Diski Challenge, stepping up to the senior level of the Premier Soccer League (PSL) is a different ballgame. Nabi explained that for Vilakazi to make a lasting impact in the first team, he must work on strengthening his physicality and improving his tactical understanding of the game, especially in high-pressure situations.

“Vilakazi has great potential, there’s no doubt about that,” Nabi said in a recent interview. “But the reality of professional football is that it requires more than just talent. He needs to work on his physicality and adapt to the demands of playing against men at a much higher intensity. It’s not just about skill, it’s about understanding the game, reading situations quickly, and being able to perform under pressure.”
Despite these challenges, Nabi has expressed confidence in Vilakazi’s potential and is committed to nurturing the young playerβs growth at the club. The 20-year-old has already made a few appearances with the senior team, but Nabi has been careful in how he integrates him into the first-team fold. Chiefsβ head coach emphasized the importance of giving Vilakazi the time and space to develop, rather than rushing his progression.
“Sometimes, players need time to adjust,” Nabi added. “We need to make sure that Vilakazi is fully ready for the demands of the PSL before we expect too much from him. The pressure at this level is intense, and it’s important that he gets the right guidance and opportunities to grow.”
Vilakaziβs journey from the Chiefs youth setup to the first team has been a closely followed one by fans, who are eager to see him shine in the same way other academy products like Kgaogelo Sekgota and Nkosingiphile Ngcobo have done in recent seasons. However, Nabiβs approach to development is cautious and measured, focusing on a playerβs long-term growth rather than instant success.
The young midfielderβs performances in the reserves have already caught the attention of Chiefs fans, who have been calling for his promotion to the first team. However, Nabi has made it clear that while talent alone may get you noticed, it is a combination of physical readiness, tactical understanding, and mental resilience that will determine whether Vilakazi will become a mainstay in the starting XI.
Vilakazi, who joined Chiefsβ youth ranks as a teenager, has shown glimpses of brilliance with his quick feet, vision, and ability to deliver dangerous passes. His versatility in the midfield and ability to break down opposition attacks have made him a standout in Chiefs’ development ranks. However, it is his ability to thrive under the pressures of PSL football that will define whether he can make a seamless transition into a key player for the team.
As Chiefs look to rebuild and strengthen their squad for the future, developing players like Vilakazi is crucial to their long-term success. While Nabi is keen to give the young midfielder every opportunity to grow, he is also aware of the challenges that come with the transition from youth football to the senior team. As such, Nabiβs focus remains on guiding Vilakazi through this important phase of his career and ensuring he is ready to make the most of the opportunities that come his way.
The next few months will be crucial in Vilakaziβs development as he continues to train under Nabiβs watchful eye. Chiefs fans will be hoping to see more of the talented youngster as he works to overcome these challenges and fulfill his potential at the club.