The Kaizer Chiefs legacy has long been built on a bedrock of homegrown
talent. From icons like Doctor Khumalo and Itumeleng Khune to modern
graduates like Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi, the path from Naturena
to the first team is a cherished tradition. Now, a new wave of promising
youngsters is emerging, poised to become the next icons for Amakhosi.
Here are five academy prospects who could define the club’s future:
1. Takalani Mazhamba (Goalkeeper, 18)
Already the established goalkeeper for South Africa’s Under-20 national
team, Mazhamba is the latest in a distinguished line of shot-stoppers from
Naturena. Having trained regularly with the senior squad, the 18-year-old
has demonstrated a maturity that belies his age. He appears destined for a
seamless integration into the first team, ensuring the club’s goalkeeping
future is secure.
2. Sfiso Timba (Right-Back, 19)
A key figure in South Africa’s historic Under-20 AFCON triumph, Timba has
already proven himself on the continental stage. His potential was further
validated during a successful trial with Belgian side RWD Molenbeek. While
first-team opportunities are currently limited, his continued training with
the seniors marks him as the long-term solution for Chiefs’ right-back
position.
3. Donay Jansen (Right Winger, 22)
After a stalled loan spell at SuperSport United, Jansen has returned to
Chiefs with a point to prove. Now rebuilding his form and confidence with
the DDC team, the pacy winger possesses the technical ability that first
earmarked him for senior football. His coach, Vela Khumalo, believes that
with the right opportunities, Jansen has the potential to surpass even
current stars like Shabalala and Vilakazi.
4. Neo Bohloko (Striker, 16)
A prodigious talent, Bohloko’s pedigree is undeniable. He represented South
Africa at the FIFA Under-17 World Cup and made history as the DDC’s
youngest-ever goalscorer at just 14. Now, as a holder of both the Player of
the Season and Top Goalscorer awards, and with experience training alongside
the seniors, his promotion to the first team seems not a matter of if, but
when.
5. Shaun Els (Striker, 16)
Despite having minimal DDC experience, Els’s raw talent earned him a spot in
South Africa’s Under-17 World Cup squad. Coach Vela Khumalo has singled him
out as a “special talent,” praising his natural goal-scoring instinct and
dedication. For a club in search of consistent firepower, Els could emerge
as the long-term answer to their attacking woes.
A Bright Future at Naturena
This new generation embodies the continuation of a proud tradition. For
Amakhosi supporters, these five prospects are more than just players; they
are a symbol of hope and a testament to the club’s enduring commitment to
nurturing its own, proving that the future at Naturena remains in capable
hands.
