Kaizer Chiefs’ Mfundo Vilakazi says Fernando Da Cruz accepts his showboating

Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder Mfundo Vilakazi says coach Fernando Da Cruz understands his flair but has reminded him that the team must come first.

The 20-year-old South African junior international has earned praise for his entertaining style, although his use of skills was also heavily criticised last season. Some observers questioned whether his showboating was helping Kaizer Chiefs in attack.

Speaking before the upcoming Betway Premiership Soweto derby against Orlando Pirates, Vilakazi said Da Cruz had recognised his natural approach to the game since arriving at the club.

“When the coach arrived, he told me that he knows how I play,” said Vilakazi.

The midfielder said the coach had not banned him from attempting tricks, but had stressed that he should consider whether they were necessary in a particular situation.

“But sometimes if it’s not necessary for me to do those things I shouldn’t,” Vilakazi added. “But he didn’t say that I shouldn’t ever do it. But even I have told myself that the team comes first.”

Vilakazi acknowledged that individual displays could not take priority when Kaizer Chiefs were struggling to produce results. He also accepted that some moments of flair happened instinctively rather than being planned.

“If the team is not getting results, I can’t be busy juggling the ball and all that, maybe when we do get results,” he said. “But sometimes these things happen, you don’t plan it.”