Mathebula reveals the winning formula behind Kaizer Chiefs’ youth success

Kaizer Chiefs youth coach David Mathebula says the club’s demanding standards and focus on calm, attacking football have helped their Under-18 side become a leading force in the Engen Champ of Champs tournament.

Chiefs will represent Gauteng at the 2026 national finals after winning the provincial knockout challenge. The tournament begins on Friday, 2 October, at the Athletics Club at the University of Pretoria.

The Glamour Boys have won the national competition in two of the past editions. They defeated Cape Town City in the 2022 final before edging Stellenbosch in the 2024 showpiece.

Mathebula believes the pressure associated with playing for Kaizer Chiefs helps prepare the club’s young players for the demands of senior football.

“From Kaizer Chiefs, the expectations and the demands are high, we’re expected to win. Obviously these are developing players, you try not to put them under pressure but this is the only time that gives us an opportunity to test them,” Mathebula said at the Athletics Club at the University of Pretoria.

The former Amakhosi midfielder added that the tournament provides an important opportunity to assess players aged 17 and 18 who may eventually be ready to step up to the first team.

“And try to check if we have players at the age of 17, 18 who can play for the first team and I think over the years the boys have been doing well, they played (and won) the Engen provincially, I think they were able to impose their game.

“They played good football, which is difficult, because the duration of the game is very short, so most people think we have to rush but we tell our boys to be calm, play their game and try to create big opportunities and I think we’re successful because of that,” he said.

Chiefs also won the provincial stage by sticking to their style despite the shortened format of the matches. Mathebula said the players are encouraged not to panic or abandon their approach simply because there is less time available.

The coach welcomed the chance to compete for the national title at the University of Pretoria, praising the venue and its playing surface.

“I’m happy that we’re playing the national tournament here, it’s a good facility, good football surface. I think it will help us to play good football, so thanks to Engen.”

Kaizer Chiefs have been placed in Group A alongside Tshepo Academy, East High Boys Academy, Ten Pont FC and Pixley Youth FC.