Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Tsepo Masilela believes Mfundo Vilakazi needs to raise his game despite being handed more opportunities this season.
The 20-year-old has been part of the Amakhosi senior squad for the past two years and has shown flashes of his potential.
Vilakazi, however, is yet to establish himself as a consistent match-winner, with Masilela calling for greater maturity from the young attacker.
Masilela believes Chiefs have a promising future with the number of talented youngsters in the squad but feels the team also needs a blend of quality and experience, particularly in attack.
“When I look at the list of Kaizer Chiefs youngsters, I think they are good for the future,” Masilela told Soccerbeat.
Vilakazi is still yet to establish himself at Chiefs
The former Bafana Bafana left-back also agreed with coach Fernando Da Cruz’s assessment that Chiefs’ attack lacks maturity, something he believes has contributed to their inconsistency.
“The coach said their attack lacks maturity, and lack of maturity leads to inconsistency. This is what I have seen from the team,” Masilela said.
“Inconsistency in terms of form and decision-making, because the final third is not like any other part of the field. That’s where you need quality and you need to make good decisions.”
Masilela singled out Vilakazi, who has been given increased opportunities by Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz, as a player who needs to become more clinical in front of goal.
“Vilakazi is taking shots from everywhere but only has one goal, and it’s not even a cracker. For me, it shows the boy still lacks maturity, and he has been given huge support by the coach,” the Chiefs legend added.
“I hope he can grab the chance.”
With Chiefs continuing to place their faith in a young attacking group, Masilela’s comments highlight the pressure on players such as Vilakazi to turn opportunities into consistent performances and goals.