Kaizer Chiefs head coach Mohamed Nasreddine Nabi reacts during the Betway Premiership against Mamelodi Sundowns at the FNB stadium Nasreddine Nabi reveals why Mfundo Vilakazi is not ready to start games for Kaizer Chiefs
Image: Itumeleng English/Independent Media
Kaizer Chiefs teenage sensation Mfundo Vilakazi has struggled to secure a spot in the starting lineup due to his ongoing physical development and lack of match fitness required to consistently perform over 90 minutes, according to coach Nasreddine Nabi.
The 19-year-old, who rose through the club's ranks, has shown his qualities whenever given a chance to play. However, the Tunisian coach has primarily utilised him as a second-half substitute this season.
The youngster once again made an impact off the bench during Kaizer Chiefs' clash against Stellenbosch FC at FNB Stadium on Wednesday playing a key role in the Soweto giants' 2-1 triumph over the Cape Winelands side.
Vilakazi delivered the assist for Wandile Duba's second goal as Amakhosi secured all three points. The win propelled the Soweto giants to fifth place in the league with 18 points from 12 points.
“Mfundo Vilakazi is a talent from the academy of the club. He’s only 19 years old, so I would say that his physical development is not yet 100%, this means that we need to protect the player,” Nabi said to the media after the match.
The Tunisian coach believes Vilakazi currently lack the fitness required to play 90 minutes in successive matches.
“We need to give him time that will allow him to showcase himself, and we believe that he doesn’t yet have the consistency of playing 90 minutes in successive games without time to recover. We feel that these minutes he’s getting are going to build his confidence, momentum and his physical structure.”
IOL Sport