Kaizer Chiefs winger Malibongwe Mtshali targets first-team breakthrough after awards double

Malibongwe Mtshali has set his sights on a place in the Kaizer Chiefs first team after an outstanding showing at the 2026 Engen Champ of Champs in Pretoria.

The young winger was named both Player of the Tournament and Striker of the Tournament after helping Amakhosi win the competition at TUKS HPC. He contributed four assists in six appearances and was a constant threat to opposing defences throughout the event.

Mtshali said the two individual awards reflected progress in different areas of his game.

“I mean as a winger, winning the Striker of the tournament means a lot, it shows that I have improved my finishing,” said Mtshali.

“And the Player of the Tournament shows that my overall game has also improved, not just scoring goals but the work rate, assisting and just helping the team. It motivates me to work even more harder as I’m still learning.”

The 2026 Engen Champ of Champs success gave Mtshali further encouragement as he considers his long-term ambitions with Kaizer Chiefs. He said the achievements of players who came through the same development competitions had shown him that progression to senior football is possible.

Wandile Duba, Mfundo Vilakazi and Thulani Mabaso were highlighted by Mtshali as examples of players who have featured in the Engen tournaments before going on to represent the Kaizer Chiefs first team. Their progress also includes involvement with Bafana Bafana.

The pathway is reflected in the Engen competitions’ description of themselves as “Where Diski Legends Start”, a phrase Mtshali said had particular meaning for aspiring players.

“My goal is to keep improving every day, I want to play for the Kaizer Chiefs first team one day,” he added.

“Seeing players from the development team promoted to the first team and also represent Bafana Bafana inspires me a lot. It shows that the pathway is there, if I stay disciplined, humble and keep working hard, I believe my time will come.”

Mtshali said winning the tournament with Kaizer Chiefs was a source of great happiness, while receiving two individual awards made the occasion especially significant. He now wants to use the experience as motivation to continue developing and work towards earning an opportunity at senior level.