Kaze’s candid verdict: The road ahead for Duba and Vilakazi at Chiefs

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has delivered a candid assessment of academy graduates Wandile Duba and Mfundo Vilakazi, outlining the tactical adjustments and developmental steps needed for the duo to become permanent fixtures in the Amakhosi starting line-up.

𝐃𝐮𝐛𝐚’𝐬 𝐧𝐞𝐰 𝐫𝐨𝐥𝐞 & 𝐕𝐢𝐥𝐚𝐤𝐚𝐳𝐢’𝐬 𝐜𝐡𝐚𝐥𝐥𝐞𝐧𝐠𝐞!

Cedric Kaze delivers a candid verdict on Kaizer Chiefs’ match-winning youngsters. One needs more “physicality,” while the other is thriving in a surprise wide position. #Amakhosi4Life #BetwayPrem #KCOneVoice… pic.twitter.com/M0ReoyiKWT

— Pan-Africa Football (@PanAfricaFooty) March 22, 2026

The young pair were the heroes on Saturday night, both finding the net as Chiefs secured a 2-0 victory over relegation-threatened Magesi FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium. The result marks a significant turning point for the Glamour Boys, who have now registered back-to-back wins following a 1-0 triumph over Durban City FC last weekend.

The six-point haul has effectively arrested a damaging four-match losing streak that saw disgruntled supporters march to Naturena to demand the sacking of Kaze and his co-coach, Khalil Ben Youssef. Now, with the ship steadied, the coaching duo is focusing on refining the club’s “Naturena-born” talents to secure a top-three finish and CAF inter-club qualification.

WHY WANDILE DUBA IS THRIVING OUT WIDE

Wandile Duba, who has started the last two matches following a long-term injury layoff, opened the scoring against Magesi. Despite being a natural striker, Kaze revealed that Duba is currently being deployed in a wider position to maximize his explosive pace.

“It was a very good performance from Duba. We didn’t play him as a striker because we believe that when he comes from a further position, he can get into the box and have more space to finish,” Kaze explained. “He’s a fast player and he likes to run. We believe that coming from deep allows him the space to use that speed and score.”

The 21-year-old, who has made 54 appearances for the senior team since his 2022 debut, endured a frustrating first half of the season due to injuries and a dip in form. However, Kaze believes the attacker is finally rediscovering his best self.

“Sometimes you sleep on what you have done because you aren’t doing enough in the moment, but I believe he’s coming back. The goal he scored is exactly what we asked for.”

THE ‘MISSING INGREDIENTS’ FOR MFUNDO VILAKAZI

While Duba led the line from the start, “Obrigado” Mfundo Vilakazi had to make his impact from the bench. Introduced in the 62nd minute, the Under-20 AFCON winner dazzled with enterprising runs before sealing the win with an 84th-minute strike.

Despite Vilakazi’s statistical growth—racking up 21 appearances and a career-high eight starts this season—Kaze insists the starlet must refine his game to handle the physical demands of the Betway Premiership.

“I believe that he is not far, and sometimes it is a tactical decision not to start him,” Kaze noted. “But there are improvements he needs to make, especially when the team does not have the ball—to be a little bit more physical and stronger on the ball when we are in possession.”

Kaze emphasized that for the Amajita star to become a regular starter, aggression and physicality are non-negotiable.

“He is a wonderful kid who wants to learn, and I’m pretty sure he is going to go far. We want players who can make an impact, and he always gives his best at training and during games.”

NATURENA GRADUATES STEADY THE SHIP

ℕ𝕖𝕒𝕣𝕝𝕪 𝟝𝟘% 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕤𝕢𝕦𝕒𝕕. 𝟙𝟘𝟘% 𝕠𝕗 𝕥𝕙𝕖 𝕘𝕠𝕒𝕝𝕤.

10 out of 22 players in Kaizer Chiefs’ matchday squad against Magesi FC were developed through the club’s own academy.

The goals came from within.

Wandile Duba ⚽
Mfundo Vilakazi ⚽#BetwayPrem pic.twitter.com/8Z1zTImb9e

— Mthokozisi Dube (@dube_mthoko) March 22, 2026

The emergence of Duba and Vilakazi as match-winners comes at a crucial time for Chiefs. After crashing out of the CAF Confederation Cup group stages against Zamalek SC and suffering consecutive league defeats to Stellenbosch FC, Orlando Pirates, and Richards Bay FC, the pressure was at an all-time high.

With 55 senior appearances now under his belt, Vilakazi is showing his best statistical return yet, while Duba is successfully navigating his return from injury. As the league heads into the March international break, Kaze and Ben Youssef seem to have found a blueprint that places the club’s youth at the center of their tactical revival.