The famous Naturena pipeline is firing on all cylinders. Kaizer Chiefs have officially integrated three standout academy graduates into first-team training, giving head coach Fernando da Cruz a front-row seat to assess the club’s brightest young prospects ahead of the new Betway Premiership season.
Fresh off a dominant reserve league campaign where Amakhosi’s DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) side lifted the title with an incredible 70 points, these three starlets are looking to secure permanent senior promotion.
Meet the Trio Training at Naturena
- Naphtali Mokoena (20, Goalkeeper): Nicknamed “Onana” by his peers, the highly rated shot-stopper played a pivotal role in the DDC title run. He is already accustomed to senior training spaces and is tipped as a long-term prospect between the posts.
- Pheko Phango (21, Central Midfielder): The Krugersdorp-born playmaker has been turning heads with his supreme composure, technical vision, and precise passing range—so much so that rival Betway Premiership clubs have already begun monitoring his situation.
- Kabelo Nkgwesa (20, Left-Back): Arrives with massive momentum after officially being crowned the DStv Diski Challenge Player of the Season and Most Improved Player.
A Proven Pathway to Greatness
These call-ups follow a proud tradition of academy graduates making waves. From club legend Itumeleng Khune to modern success stories like Njabulo Blom (St. Louis City SC), Siyabonga Ngezana (FCSB), and most recently Aden McCarthy (Sabah FK), the Chiefs development structure continues to open doors to international and European football.
With 18-year-old goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba currently away on international duty with South Africa’s U23 squad, Da Cruz has a clear look at the next wave of talent ready to step up.
