Former Kaizer Chiefs coach Cavin Johnson has stated that teenage talent
Mfundo Vilakazi has proven he should be a regular starter for the club,
though he tempered expectations about an immediate move to Europe.
In an exclusive interview, Johnson praised the 18-year-old midfielder, who
is currently representing South Africa at the U20 World Cup in Chile, but
highlighted key areas he must improve.
“My friend, I think Mfundo has got a very bright future ahead of him,”
Johnson told Soccer Laduma. “Where he is now, he is probably proving people
wrong that he should be starting at Kaizer Chiefs. As long as he keeps his
feet on the ground, improves his reading of the game, and gets his
physicality to another level, then I think he is going to be a very good
player.”
However, Johnson declined to speculate on why the youngster isn’t a regular
under the current technical team, stating, “Why he is not a starter you have
to find out from Chiefs.”
When discussing a potential European transfer, Johnson provided a sobering
analysis, using the rise of prodigies like Barcelona’s Lamine Yamal as a
benchmark.
“In Europe, you have got Yamal; maybe 60% of the Barcelona team at the
moment is the same age as Mfundo,” Johnson observed. “When you look at the
young players at Liverpool, Arsenal, and Manchester City, we have to compare
him to them because he plays for a top team in South Africa.”
He explained that while top clubs are integrating youth, smaller European
teams often rely on experienced players to maintain their status, making a
move complex. Johnson emphasized that the decision hinges on Vilakazi’s
personal ambition and readiness for the immense challenges abroad.
“You have to be physically strong, mentally at a better level,” he
cautioned. “It depends on what you want as an individual… The bottom line
is, I know he is a good player.”
Johnson’s comments affirm Vilakazi’s immense potential while outlining the
rigorous pathway ahead for the young star.
