Mfundo Vilakazi is beginning to look like a more complete player at Kaizer Chiefs, with his development under Fernando Da Cruz becoming one of the most interesting aspects of Amakhosi’s unbeaten start to the 2026/27 Betway Premiership campaign.
The results have not always been accompanied by the dominant football Chiefs supporters want to see, but Vilakazi’s progress has offered plenty of encouragement.
At just 20, the attacking midfielder is learning to combine his natural flair with a greater understanding of his responsibilities within Da Cruz’s tactical system.
Da Cruz Has Set High Expectations
Vilakazi has previously explained that Da Cruz made his ambitions clear from the moment the French coach arrived at Naturena.
According to the Chiefs youngster, his coach told him that the objective was to help him become the best player in the PSL this season.
That message has also come with a clear demand: trust the instructions, make better decisions and ignore the outside noise.
For Vilakazi, that appears to have meant adapting his game rather than simply relying on the individual moments of brilliance that first made him stand out.
The youngster has spoken about the importance of listening to Da Cruz and carrying out his instructions on the pitch — something that has become increasingly visible during the opening weeks of the campaign.
The ‘Showpony’ Label Is Fading
Vilakazi has never lacked confidence or technical ability, but his approach previously divided opinion among Chiefs supporters.
There were occasions when he appeared more interested in taking on defenders or cutting inside for a shot than finding the better option around him.
That individualism could make him exciting to watch, but it could also slow down attacks.
Under Da Cruz, however, there are signs that the midfielder is becoming more selective.
Football analyst Farouk Khan has highlighted the change, pointing to Vilakazi’s quicker distribution and improved willingness to make the extra pass.
That shift could prove particularly valuable for a Chiefs side that has often had to work hard for attacking opportunities this season.
The Numbers Show Greater Efficiency
Chiefs may have produced a mixed collection of performances despite remaining unbeaten after six league matches, but Vilakazi has maintained a strong individual contribution.
He has featured in all six league games, accumulating 420 minutes, while recording a 7.4 average FotMob rating.
His passing numbers also point towards a player becoming more involved in the collective game.
Vilakazi has completed 152 passes during his league appearances, with an 81% passing accuracy rate.
Those figures do not tell the entire story, but they support the wider impression that his game is becoming less about isolated moments and more about contributing to the team’s overall structure.
Vilakazi Has Also Delivered in Key Moments
The most important change, however, may be the youngster’s ability to influence results.
Vilakazi provided an assist during Chiefs’ 3-1 victory over Kruger United on 1 August.
He then found the decisive moment against Siwelele FC on 6 September, scoring during a dramatic 3-2 win.
Those contributions matter because they show that tactical discipline does not necessarily mean sacrificing the creativity that made Vilakazi one of the club’s most exciting young players.
Instead, the challenge appears to be finding the right balance between creativity and responsibility.
Chiefs Still Have Work to Do
While Chiefs remain unbeaten, their performances have not consistently matched the expectations surrounding the club.
The team is still searching for greater fluency, control and attacking rhythm under Da Cruz.
That makes Vilakazi’s development even more significant.
If the midfielder can continue making quicker decisions, combining effectively with his teammates and choosing the right moments to take risks, he could become an increasingly important part of the Chiefs attack.
The flair is still there. What is changing is how he uses it.
A Different Mfundo Vilakazi Emerging?
Vilakazi’s development is unlikely to happen overnight, and consistency will remain an important part of his next step.
Chiefs legend Tsepo Masilela has previously stressed the need for patience with the youngster, and that remains relevant as he continues adapting to the demands of senior football.
But the early signs suggest that Da Cruz’s influence is having an impact.
The talented midfielder is still capable of producing the unexpected, yet he is increasingly showing that he can make those moments count within a structured team.
For Kaizer Chiefs, that could be one of the biggest positives to emerge from the opening stages of the new season.
Has Mfundo Vilakazi taken his game to another level under Fernando Da Cruz?
