Kaizer Chiefs teenager Mfundo Vilakazi says he’s ready to grind to work himself into more first-team opportunities after his professional debut under interim coach Cavin Johnson.
Vilakazi, 18, has enjoyed a meteoric rise from his viral performances at the Phillys Games towards the Amakhosi first team and now his first junior national team camp.
He looks set to become a key figure for Amajita, provided his trajectory with Amakhosi continues, with competition growing within his age group – as Shandre Campbell, Liphumlo Sifumba, Emile Witbooi among the talented players within the 46-man camp this month.
“I must continue working hard, my time will come [in the Chiefs first-team],” Vilakazi said during the South Africa U20 camp this week.
“Being at the level that I find myself, both at club and international level, has changed my life a lot.
“One of the lessons [playing for Chiefs] has taught me is to be respectful, humble and be aware of everything that I do because everyone is now watching me.
“So, I need to make sure that I don’t fall into any traps and do wrong things that will maybe affect my career.”
Vilakazi also stated he’s not taking the opportunity with the national team lightly, with AFCON qualifiers on the horizon in September.
“I see playing for Amajta as a big thing, representing my country – I didn’t expect this rise [since the Phillys Games]. My life has changed, even when I go to eKasi, people call me ‘hey, hey ntwana’ and all these things.
“So I’ve told myself I need to be humble and respect each and every one, whether you are younger or older than me.”
