Mfundo Vilakazi steals Carling Cup Champions spotlight
A month after lifting the Gauteng Development League Youth Cup at Marks Park, Johannesburg, Kaizer Chiefs’ young sensation, Mfundo Vilakazi, has made a dream start to the new year.
On Saturday afternoon, he played a starring role for the Carling All Stars team, which was chosen by the fans. Facing the reigning champions of the 2023 Carling Black Label Tournament, Stellenbosch FC, the All Stars ran out 2-1 winners at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Limpopo.
Only weeks ago, Vilakazi made the step up to the first team on 23 December for a DStv Premiership clash against Richards Bay FC, which Chiefs won by a goal to nil.
His performances over the past season have drawn widespread praise and high hopes for the future success of the teenager.
It was Vilakazi who opened the scoring in Saturday’s showdown, finding the back of the net with a stunning freekick, which left Stellenbosch goalkeeper, Sage Stephens, well beaten.
With Orlando Pirates‘ coach Jose Riveiro pulling the strings, Kaizer Chiefs’ talisman, Ashley Du Preez, converted from the spot to make it 2-0.
A reply from Mervin Boji cut the lead in half, but it was, ultimately, not quite enough to help Stellies defend their crown.
