Farouk Khan questions Mfundo Vilakazi, Mduduzi Shabalala maturity as Chiefs seek attacking balance

Former Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Farouk Khan believes Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala must develop greater maturity before they can consistently make the right decisions in the final third.

The two Amakhosi academy graduates have already accumulated several seasons of senior-team football, but Khan feels their development remains incomplete, particularly when it comes to recognising and exploiting decisive moments in attack.

His assessment follows Chiefs’ 3-2 victory over Siwelele at the weekend, when head coach Fernando Da Cruz opted to start Vilakazi, Shabalala and Wandile Duba together in the attacking line.

Khan was unimpressed with aspects of their performance, arguing that the youngsters sometimes appeared uncertain about their next move after receiving possession in dangerous areas.

“Personally, I think they lack maturity. In those positions, you need players who are mature enough to know exactly what to do,” Khan said on SoccerBeat.

The former Chiefs coach felt Duba offered a glimpse of the qualities required, particularly with his movement behind the opposition defence.

“Duba showed some of it because he makes runs off the shoulder and got himself into good positions at times.”

Experienced striker could unlock youngsters

Rather than calling for Chiefs to abandon their young attackers, Khan believes the club should consider adding an experienced and physically imposing striker who can provide a different dimension to the attack.

He suggested Golden Arrows forward Junior Dion as a potential solution. The Ivorian has established himself among the PSL’s leading scorers and has reportedly attracted interest from both Chiefs and Orlando Pirates.

Khan believes a striker with Dion’s physical presence could give Chiefs a focal point through which their younger attackers can operate.

“Chiefs need a balance upfront and need a big guy, you just mentioned. Besides making those near-post runs, he’s got the physicality to hold the ball up,” Khan said.

The former coach argued that such an addition could actually improve the effectiveness of Vilakazi, Shabalala and Duba rather than restrict their opportunities.

“If you have him, then Vilakazi, Duba and Shabalala can be more productive.”

Khan questions decision to start all three

Khan was particularly surprised that Da Cruz selected all three youngsters from the start against Siwelele, although he acknowledged that the coach’s decision may have been influenced by their performances during training.

“I was surprised to see all three starting, but I suppose the coach felt that they looked very, very good in training.”

His comments suggest Chiefs may need to strike a careful balance between giving their academy products regular opportunities and surrounding them with experienced players capable of carrying greater responsibility in attack.

Khan believes additional match exposure could help Vilakazi and Shabalala develop, but he also sees value in using them as impact substitutes while they continue to mature.

“Both of these boys need more match time or, alternatively, you need players who can maximise those chances and perhaps use them as impact players.”