‘They lack maturity’ – Ex-Chiefs coach criticises Vilakazi and Shabalala
Soccer Bullet | 11.09.2026 12:40
ormer Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Farouk Khan believes Amakhosi youngsters Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala still lack the maturity required to consistently make the right decisions in attack.
Both Vilakazi and Shabalala came through the Chiefs development ranks and have now gained several seasons of first-team experience. However, Khan feels the duo still have plenty to learn when it comes to making the most of key moments in the final third.
His comments come after Chiefs‘ 3-2 victory over Siwelele this past weekend, where coach Fernando Da Cruz started Vilakazi, Shabalala and Wandile Duba in attack.
Khan felt the young attackers were at times unsure of what to do when they received the ball.
“Personally, I think they lack maturity. In those positions, you need players who are mature enough to know exactly what to do,” Khan said on SoccerBeat.
“Duba showed some of it because he makes runs off the shoulder and got himself into good positions at times.
“Both of these boys need more match time or, alternatively, you need players who can maximise those chances and perhaps use them as impact players.
“I was surprised to see all three starting, but I suppose the coach felt that they looked very, very good in training.”
Vilakazi and Shabalala are Chiefs youth products
Khan believes Chiefs could benefit from adding a more experienced and physical striker to their attack, with Golden Arrows star Junior Dion among the players he feels could provide the right balance.
The Ivorian striker has emerged as one of the PSL’s leading goalscorers and has been linked with both Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.
“Chiefs need a balance upfront and need a big guy, you just mentioned. Besides making those near-post runs, he’s got the physicality to hold the ball up,” Khan said.
“If you have him, then Vilakazi, Duba and Shabalala can be more productive.”
Khan’s view is that adding a proven striker would not necessarily limit the opportunities for Chiefs’ young attackers, but could instead give them more freedom to express themselves and become more effective in the final third.
