Mfundo Vilakazi puts Kaizer Chiefs’ cause ahead of flair before Soweto derby

For Mfundo Vilakazi, Saturday’s Soweto derby represents the fulfilment of a childhood ambition, but the Kaizer Chiefs youngster insists his priority will be the team rather than individual moments of skill.

The Soweto derby is regarded as the biggest occasion on South Africa’s sporting calendar and is the fixture many young players dream of playing in. Vilakazi grew up in Soweto, developing his football on the township’s dusty streets while hoping one day to represent either Kaizer Chiefs or Orlando Pirates.

He joined Chiefs as a teenager and his ability was quickly recognised. Over the past two seasons, he has progressed into the senior side at a club widely regarded as the biggest in the country.

Although he has not yet secured a regular place in the team, Vilakazi has already experienced playing before a capacity crowd of 90,000 at FNB Stadium. He is expected to be included in the match-day squad when Chiefs travel to face Pirates in Saturday’s league meeting at the Calabash.

“This means a lot to me,” Vilakazi said. “As a young kid growing up from Soweto, we used to go and watch the Soweto derby. So to be part of the players that are going to play means a lot to me, and I am grateful to God for the talent that he gave me.”

His previous appearance in front of a sold-out crowd has also helped him prepare for the intensity of the occasion. The derby atmosphere is often loud throughout, while players can face strong criticism when their performances fall below expectations.

“I am no longer nervous now,” Vilakazi said. “Playing in the derby doesn’t need you to be overwhelmed by the atmosphere. It needs you to focus on the game. If you start focusing on the supporters, that will play into your head.

“You’ll start thinking: ‘Eish, I can’t disappoint so many people. If I lose the ball, they’ll yell at me and whatever.’ So I just need to focus on my game and play the way I am used to.”

Vilakazi’s development has continued this season, despite not yet becoming a fully established first-team regular. He credits former coach Fernando da Cruz with helping him understand how to use his ability more effectively.

“When the coach arrived, he told me that he knows the way I play, but sometimes if it’s not necessary for me to stand on top of the ball, then I shouldn’t,” Vilakazi said. “I have also told myself that the team comes first. If we are not winning and doing well, I can’t be doing unnecessary tricks.

“We need to do well and be comfortable. But sometimes that happens on its own; I don’t plan it.”

Vilakazi, Mduduzi Shabalala and Wandile Duba are among the Chiefs youngsters expected to play an important role in the derby. All three have already experienced the fixture, giving them an advantage over their Pirates counterparts as they return to the stage they once only imagined reaching.