Fernando da Cruz puts faith in Mfundo Vilakazi as Kaizer Chiefs begin a bold new chapter
A new era begins for Kaizer Chiefs on Saturday evening, and Fernando da Cruz has wasted no time making a statement.
The French coach has named his first competitive starting XI since taking charge of Amakhosi, placing one of the club’s brightest young talents, Mfundo Vilakazi, firmly at the centre of his plans. It is a clear signal that Da Cruz is prepared to trust youth as he looks to reshape one of South Africa’s biggest football clubs.
Chiefs open their Betway Premiership campaign against newly promoted Kruger United at Mbombela Stadium, with supporters eager to see how the team responds under fresh leadership after an inconsistent period.
Vilakazi’s inclusion in the starting line-up is among the biggest talking points ahead of kick-off. The gifted youngster starts alongside Ethan Chislett in an attacking line-up that reflects Da Cruz’s intent to begin the season on a winning note.
The selection suggests the new coach is ready to hand Vilakazi a much more influential role this season, rewarding the midfielder’s potential with an early opportunity to prove himself on one of the country’s biggest stages.
While Chiefs prepare to launch a new chapter, Kruger United are embracing what could be the biggest fixture in their history.
Head coach Abram Mongoya revealed that if he had been given the choice, Kaizer Chiefs would have been the team he wanted to face first.
“A big yes because it has a lot of advantages when we looked at it,” Mongoya said during the PSL season launch.
“It’s an exciting fixture for the supporters. They’ve been longing for something like this. We’ve only had TS Galaxy bringing top flight football to our province, so this is a great opportunity for our players to showcase their talent.”
Mongoya also believes the timing of the fixture could work in Kruger United’s favour.
“Getting a Chiefs team while the new coaches are still settling in is the perfect situation. Hopefully it goes our way.”
The Kruger United coach added that his technical team closely analysed Kaizer Chiefs throughout their pre-season tour of Spain and believes the newcomers are well prepared for the challenge.
For Chiefs, however, the focus remains on delivering a convincing performance and giving supporters early signs that Da Cruz’s vision can restore the club to its former stature.
With a fresh coaching team, promising young talent and renewed expectations, all eyes will be on Mbombela Stadium as one of South Africa’s most watched clubs begins another journey in pursuit of domestic success.
Kaizer Chiefs Starting XI
Brandon Petersen (captain), Monyane, Kwinika, Miguel, Frosler, Maboe, Ndlovu, Ethan Chislett, Da Silva, Baartman, Mfundo Vilakazi.
Substitutes: Leaner, Solomons, Nkgwesa, Moloisane, Mthethwa, Ngcobo, Mmodi, Ighodaro and Duba.
