Kaizer Chiefs DDC coach Vela Khumalo has backed youngster Steven Mendes to make the step up to the first team soon after an impressive COSAFA U20 Championship campaign with Amajita.
Mendes played a key role in South Africa’s title-winning run and qualification for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations.
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The midfielder finished as the tournament’s top scorer with six goals, securing the Golden Boot after converting a crucial penalty in the final against Mozambique.
The highly rated youngster returned to Amakhosi after a stint with Swedish club Hammarby Fotboll and is now part of Khumalo’s DStv Diski Challenge squad.
Khumalo believes Mendes has what it takes to reach the highest level, describing him as a special talent who is destined to make a big impact in football.
“I think I must just take the opportunity to congratulate our under-20s for qualifying for AFCON,” said Khumalo.
“With the Mendes story, everybody’s talking about that. These are the five players that were part of our DDC. He’s a special player.
“He’s a top player, he’s going to make it big, I think he has grown in stature. He’s very talented.
“It’s just a matter of time, he will also be knocking or being identified by the coaches to remain in the first team, in and out, train with the first team and all of that.
“But he’s a special player. He’s a talented player. This is good for our team.”