Kaizer Chiefs youngster Steven Mendes backed for first-team breakthrough

Kaizer Chiefs DDC coach Vela Khumalo believes Steven Mendes is close to earning opportunities with the club’s first team after the midfielder starred for South Africa at the COSAFA U20 Championship.

Mendes was instrumental in Amajita’s successful title defence, helping South Africa qualify for the 2027 U20 Africa Cup of Nations. He also finished as the tournament’s leading scorer with six goals.

The youngster secured the Golden Boot after scoring a decisive penalty in the final against Mozambique, completing an impressive campaign for the national side.

Mendes has since returned to Amakhosi following a stint with Swedish club Hammarby Fotboll. He is now part of Khumalo’s DStv Diski Challenge squad as he continues his development at club level.

Khumalo says the performances have strengthened the case for Mendes to be involved with the senior side, although he expects the player’s progress to be managed through training opportunities and appearances around the first team.

“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,” said Khumalo.

“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.”

Khumalo also congratulated South Africa’s Under-20 team on qualifying for the continental tournament.

“I think I must just take the opportunity to congratulate our under-20s for qualifying for AFCON,” he said.

Mendes’ contribution was central to Amajita retaining the COSAFA U20 title, with his goals and decisive finish in the final making him one of the standout players in the competition. His return to Kaizer Chiefs now gives him the opportunity to push for recognition beyond the DStv Diski Challenge squad.