George Lebese urges Kaizer Chiefs youngster Mfundo Vilakazi to follow Relebohile Mofokeng’s path

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder George Lebese hopes Mfundo Vilakazi will use Relebohile Mofokeng’s move abroad as motivation to develop into a more consistent and influential player for the Soweto club.

The 20-year-old Vilakazi has been regarded as one of South Africa’s promising young talents since being promoted to the Kaizer Chiefs first team three seasons ago. Lebese believes the midfielder now needs to build on his potential and ensure that his progress continues.

Mofokeng, meanwhile, has enjoyed a positive start to life outside South Africa after joining Royale Union SG. Lebese hopes that the move will encourage Vilakazi to set his sights on performing at an international level.

“A young player and not necessarily a new signing, but Mfundo I actually would like to see him being consistent, playing a little bit more,” said Lebese.

“And like I said off air I hope the signing of Rele going abroad has actually inspired him to want to be that player for Kaizer Chiefs because it’s easy.

“At Chiefs you do well three, four games already eyes are on you. It’s the easiest, but you need to work hard on your game to make it internationally.”

Vilakazi made 21 league appearances for Kaizer Chiefs last season, scoring three goals and contributing two assists. His performances helped the club finish third in the Betway Premiership, their best league position since 2020.

The South African junior international also featured five times in the CAF Confederation Cup, registering one assist. He began the current campaign by scoring Kaizer Chiefs’ only goal in their pre-season Toyota Cup match against Zimbabwean side Scottland FC last month.

Lebese is keen to see Vilakazi turn those promising moments into a sustained run of form, while also handling the attention that comes with playing for one of the country’s biggest clubs.

“I hope that’s the right way [Toyota Cup] that he’s motivated and it doesn’t actually go to his head and then he starts losing focus.

“It’s easy at Kaizer Chiefs to lose focus because it’s got more fans I think in the country, more than any other team.

“So they hold their heroes they like them. So hopefully the boy is grounded. He’s working very hard. I’d love to see more of him.”

Kaizer Chiefs finished third in the Betway Premiership last season and will expect Vilakazi to play a greater role as he continues his development. Lebese’s comments underline the challenge facing the youngster: making the most of his exposure at Amakhosi while remaining focused enough to take the next step in his career.