Kaizer Chiefs youngster Mfundo Vilakazi is changing how he uses his flashy skills on the pitch. The midfielder, nicknamed Obrigado, says coach Da Cruz has helped him pick better moments for tricks rather than make every touch a show.
Some Chiefs fans have been critical of the Soweto-born player. They feel his habit of showing off can slow attacks or waste chances. But Vilakazi says he has begun to put results ahead of personal flair.
Da Cruz has not asked him to ditch his skills. Quite the opposite. The coach knows what makes him dangerous but wants him to read the game before trying something fancy.
Vilakazi told reporters that ball tricks make little sense when Chiefs are chasing a result. He would rather help his teammates win than entertain the crowd at the wrong moment. Still, he admits that some moves happen by instinct.
And his numbers give fans something else to discuss. FotMob rates his displays at 7.37 on average, while Sofascore has him at 7.36. Those scores reflect a decent run for the young attacker.
Across eight matches, Vilakazi has earned six starts. His goal helped Chiefs beat Siwelele FC 3-2, while his pass set up a goal during the 3-1 victory against Kruger United.
The Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates has also featured in his recent outings. Yet his broader record gives a clearer view of how he has been playing.
From 27 attempts at goal, nine have tested the keeper. He has also beaten his marker on 10 of 16 dribble attempts, giving him a 62.5% success rate.
His use of the ball has been fairly tidy as well. With 168 passes reaching teammates, his accuracy sits at 87.5%. That's a useful figure for someone who likes taking risks in attack.
Defensive work hasn't been left out, either. Vilakazi has come out ahead in 24 duels, winning 57.1% of those contests. Sofascore also credits him for his work in battles for loose balls.
Elsewhere, his record shows 17 recoveries, four tackles, and a single interception. Those contributions suggest he has been willing to work when Chiefs lose the ball.
Discipline is another bright spot. No fouls committed, just one drawn from an opponent, and neither a yellow nor a red card against his name.
For Vilakazi, the task is to keep making smart choices while retaining the flair that made him stand out. Fans may still enjoy the tricks, but the midfielder appears keen to make sure they serve the team rather than distract from the game.
Some Chiefs fans have been critical of the Soweto-born player. They feel his habit of showing off can slow attacks or waste chances. But Vilakazi says he has begun to put results ahead of personal flair.
Da Cruz has not asked him to ditch his skills. Quite the opposite. The coach knows what makes him dangerous but wants him to read the game before trying something fancy.
Vilakazi told reporters that ball tricks make little sense when Chiefs are chasing a result. He would rather help his teammates win than entertain the crowd at the wrong moment. Still, he admits that some moves happen by instinct.
And his numbers give fans something else to discuss. FotMob rates his displays at 7.37 on average, while Sofascore has him at 7.36. Those scores reflect a decent run for the young attacker.
Across eight matches, Vilakazi has earned six starts. His goal helped Chiefs beat Siwelele FC 3-2, while his pass set up a goal during the 3-1 victory against Kruger United.
The Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates has also featured in his recent outings. Yet his broader record gives a clearer view of how he has been playing.
From 27 attempts at goal, nine have tested the keeper. He has also beaten his marker on 10 of 16 dribble attempts, giving him a 62.5% success rate.
His use of the ball has been fairly tidy as well. With 168 passes reaching teammates, his accuracy sits at 87.5%. That's a useful figure for someone who likes taking risks in attack.
Defensive work hasn't been left out, either. Vilakazi has come out ahead in 24 duels, winning 57.1% of those contests. Sofascore also credits him for his work in battles for loose balls.
Elsewhere, his record shows 17 recoveries, four tackles, and a single interception. Those contributions suggest he has been willing to work when Chiefs lose the ball.
Discipline is another bright spot. No fouls committed, just one drawn from an opponent, and neither a yellow nor a red card against his name.
For Vilakazi, the task is to keep making smart choices while retaining the flair that made him stand out. Fans may still enjoy the tricks, but the midfielder appears keen to make sure they serve the team rather than distract from the game.
