Kaizer Chiefs teenager Teboho Mlangeni backed for senior-team breakthrough

Augusto Palacios believes Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Teboho Mlangeni can earn a place in the club’s first team next season.

The 18-year-old has recently attracted attention after Soccer Laduma reported that he had signed a DStv Diski Challenge contract with the Phefeni Glamour Boys.

Mlangeni, who represents South Africa at Under-20 level, was developed at the Augusto Palacios Apprentice Academy from the age of 13. Palacios, one of South Africa’s respected development coaches, is convinced the youngster has the ability to progress quickly.

“I think he would be in the first team next season. I believe so,” Palacios said.

He described Mlangeni as a naturally gifted and committed player capable of contributing at both ends of the pitch.

“About the boy, what you can say is he has natural talent. And a skilful player, he can defend and he can attack. Very disciplined. He likes to train all day and is very committed,” Palacios said.

Mlangeni’s move to Chiefs came after he made an immediate impression during a training session. Palacios said the club’s youth coaches, Vela Khumalo and Rueben Letsholonyane, quickly asked whether the player could be released to join their Under-17 side.

“They liked him straight away at Chiefs. He went for one training, and then the (youth) coaches Vela Khumalo and Rueben Letsholonyane asked me if we can release him to play for their under-17s. And then I said, ‘Well, no problem.’ I met with Kaizer Junior (Motaung), and we released him,” he said.

Palacios also paid tribute to Mlangeni’s mother for helping him pursue his football career and said he regularly encouraged the youngster to continue working hard for the benefit of his family.

“I’m very proud of him. But I must say, proud of the mother, you know, who supported him all the way. I always tell him he needs to work harder to treat the family to a better life. This is what I always advise to the players.”

Mlangeni is from Zondi in Soweto and was part of the Amajita squad that won the COSAFA Cup.

That success secured South Africa’s qualification for next year’s U20 Africa Cup of Nations, giving Mlangeni another opportunity to develop on the international stage before a possible move into the Kaizer Chiefs senior side.