Kaizer Chiefs prospect Kabelo Nkgwesa urges academy hopefuls: ‘Hard work makes it possible’

Teenage Kaizer Chiefs defender Kabelo Nkgwesa says his rapid rise from the club’s youth ranks to back-to-back pre-seasons with the senior team shows that “it is possible” for academy players to break through – if they are prepared to work relentlessly and “step up every time when it matters”.

The 19-year-old left-back, who helped Chiefs’ DStv Diski Challenge side win the reserve league title in the 2024-25 season, featured in Amakhosi’s opening pre-season friendly on tour in Spain, coming off the bench for 20 minutes in a 1-1 draw against Scottish giants Rangers in Alicante.

Now on his second consecutive pre-season with the senior squad, Nkgwesa has used the platform to send a message to ambitious youngsters hoping to follow his path into top-flight football.

‘If you keep working hard, it is possible’

Speaking to the club’s official website, Nkgwesa underlined how commitment and attitude can open doors at one of South Africa’s biggest clubs.

“This is my second pre-season with the first-team squad, and I am very happy and grateful to be here,” he said.

“I would say to any ambitious youngster coming through the development academy that if they just keep working hard, stay dedicated and show character by stepping up every time when it matters, it is possible to get to here.

“You can be an individual sometimes but always be a team player.”

His comments come at a time when Kaizer Chiefs are placing increasing emphasis on integrating academy graduates into the senior set-up, with the pre-season tour offering fringe and youth players a chance to impress the technical team.

From reserve league success to senior opportunity

Nkgwesa was a key figure in the Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge squad that clinched the reserve league title in 2024-25, a campaign that strengthened his claim for promotion to senior football.

That success provided a springboard into the first-team environment, where he has now experienced two full pre-season campaigns, training and playing alongside seasoned professionals and international players.

The Alicante friendly against Rangers – described as “Scottish giants” by the club – gave the youngster another taste of high-level opposition as Chiefs continue preparations for the new Betway Premiership season.

While still competing for a regular place, Nkgwesa’s involvement is seen as a signal of faith from the coaching staff, who are monitoring his development closely.

Eyes on Toyota Cup showdown

Attention now turns to the Toyota Cup, where Nkgwesa will be hoping to earn more minutes and strengthen his case for inclusion in competitive matches.

Chiefs, nicknamed the Glamour Boys, are scheduled to host Zimbabwe Castle Premiership champions Scottland FC in the third edition of the pre-season competition, to be held at the Royal Bafokeng Sports Complex on Sunday, 26 July.

The fixture offers another chance for Nkgwesa and other emerging talents to showcase their abilities in front of home supporters and the club hierarchy, as Chiefs continue to shape their squad ahead of the upcoming campaign.

For Nkgwesa, the message remains consistent: the pathway from academy football to the senior squad is demanding but achievable – and he believes his own journey is proof that perseverance, dedication and a team-first mentality can push a player to the brink of professional success.