Kaizer Chiefs youngster Mfundo Vilakazi believes he is becoming a more mature and disciplined footballer under head coach Fernando Da Cruz, revealing how the French tactician has helped him improve his decision-making on the pitch.
The talented attacking midfielder, popularly known as ‘Obrigado’, has often attracted criticism for his flashy skills and tendency to showboat, with some supporters questioning whether his individual brilliance sometimes comes at the expense of the team’s overall performance.
However, Vilakazi appears to be embracing a different approach, placing greater emphasis on teamwork, efficiency and making the right decisions at crucial moments.
The 20-year-old has acknowledged that Da Cruz understands his natural playing style but has encouraged him to recognise when skills and tricks are necessary and when a simpler approach would benefit the team.
Da Cruz’s message on showboating is changing Vilakazi
Speaking to journalists, Vilakazi explained that the Chiefs coach has never attempted to take away his creativity. Instead, Da Cruz has challenged him to become more intelligent with his use of individual skills.
“When the coach arrived, he told me that he knows how I play,” Vilakazi said.
“But sometimes if it’s not necessary for me to do those things, I shouldn’t. He didn’t say that I shouldn’t ever do it. But even I have told myself that the team comes first.”
The youngster admitted that entertaining supporters with flashy skills should never become more important than helping Amakhosi achieve positive results.
“If the team is not getting results, I can’t be busy juggling the ball and all that, maybe when we do get results. But sometimes these things happen, you don’t plan it,” he added.
His comments suggest that the Chiefs academy graduate is beginning to understand the balance between individual expression and the responsibilities that come with playing for one of South Africa’s biggest football clubs.
Vilakazi’s numbers highlight his growing influence
Beyond his improved attitude, Vilakazi’s performances have also demonstrated his importance to the Chiefs attack.
According to the supplied FotMob and Sofascore statistics, the attacking talent has recorded average ratings of 7.37 and 7.36 respectively.
He has featured in eight matches, making six starts, and has contributed directly to some of Chiefs’ important victories.
Vilakazi found the net during the 3-2 victory over Siwelele FC and also provided an assist in the 3-1 win against Kruger United.
His attacking numbers further illustrate his willingness to take responsibility in the final third.
The youngster has registered 27 shots, with nine finding the target. He has also completed 10 of his 16 attempted dribbles, representing a 62.5% success rate.
His passing has been another positive feature, with 168 completed passes and an impressive 87.5% accuracy.
Not just tricks: Vilakazi showing greater discipline
One of the encouraging aspects of Vilakazi’s development is his contribution away from the attacking spotlight.
The statistics provided show that he has won 24 duels at a 57.1% success rate, recovered possession 17 times and completed four tackles, alongside one interception.
He has also maintained a clean disciplinary record, with no yellow or red cards recorded in the supplied statistics.
These numbers suggest that Vilakazi is developing into a more complete attacking player rather than relying exclusively on his technical ability and entertaining style.
For Da Cruz, having a creative player who can combine flair with tactical discipline could prove valuable as Chiefs attempt to improve their attacking consistency.
Can Obrigado become a regular goalscorer for Amakhosi?
Vilakazi has already demonstrated that he possesses the technical ability, confidence and creativity required to become an important player at Naturena.
However, the next stage of his development will involve translating those qualities into consistent goals and assists.
At just 20, the Chiefs youngster still has considerable room to grow. Working under a coach who understands his strengths while demanding greater tactical discipline could be an important part of that journey.
Chiefs supporters will be hoping that the talented youngster continues developing and becomes one of the club’s most influential attacking players.
The big question is whether Obrigado can turn his growing maturity into regular goals and match-winning performances for Amakhosi.
