Nasreddine Nabi’s advice to Mfundo Vilakazi, on how to use his skills to benefit the team

Vilakazi is one of the youngsters who are looking likely to get some game time under Nabi’s new project at Chiefs and is believed to have impressed the Tunisian-Belgian coach during the recent Turkish pre-season trip. Speaking to SABC Sport recently, Vilakazi shares the message he received from Nabi.

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''Coach said that he does not have a problem with my skills, just that I have to go forward, because if I do my stunts and go back then the team does not benefit. Also I need to try dribbling only when we are leading,'' said Vilakazi.

The arrival of experienced players in the Chiefs camp, like former Mamelodi Sundowns attacker and Uruguayan crowd favourite Gaston Sirino, is likely to benefit Vilakazi, as he will learn a lot from him. The 18 year-old says he’s also learnt a lot from Nabi during the Turkish pre-season camp.

''The experience in Turkey was good. I enjoyed a lot, we were working hard, being under a new technical team has helped a lot. The coach said it doesn't matter if you're young or old, as long as you listen and do the right thing - he will give you game time,'' added Vilakazi.

Vilakazi played seven matches in all competitions last season, making his professional debut when Motsepe Foundation side Milton FC eliminated them in the Nedbank Cup on penalties. Under Nabi, Vilakazi says he expects all the youngsters to show their quality and eliminate fear in their play.

''The coach said to me that I do have the ability to assist and score, he said I do have the technique and he wants me to shoot more. His expectations from us the youngsters in the team - he wants us to not hold back but fight for our spot in the team,'' he stated.

In the national U20 camp this past week, Vilakazi showed his quality scoring in both international friendly matches against Lesotho, which they won 3-1 and 4-0, respectively.

He believes that this current Amajita team is full of talent and has what it takes to qualify for the AFCON and the FIFA U20 World Cup.

“It is a blessing to be coached by them, they tell us to work hard so that one day we also get to where they are,’’ he concluded.