Mfundo Vilakazi Opens Up About Da Cruz’s Advice on Showboating at Kaizer Chiefs

VILAKAZI BREAKS SILENCE ON SHOWBOATING! WHAT DA CRUZ TOLD THE KAIZER CHIEFS STAR REVEALED

JOHANNESBURG, SOUTH AFRICA — 30 OCTOBER 2026

Kaizer Chiefs youngster Mfundo Vilakazi has opened up about his approach to showboating and revealed the advice he received from head coach Fernando Da Cruz since the Frenchman arrived at Naturena.

The talented attacking midfielder, popularly known as Obrigado, has become one of the most exciting young players at Amakhosi because of his confidence, technical ability and willingness to entertain supporters with his individual skills.

However, his flair on the pitch has also attracted attention, particularly regarding when and how he chooses to express himself during matches.

Vilakazi has now clarified that Da Cruz never instructed him to completely abandon his entertaining style of football. Instead, the coach encouraged him to understand that there are moments when unnecessary showboating might not benefit the team.

Speaking about his conversation with the Chiefs coach, Vilakazi explained that Da Cruz acknowledged his natural playing style but wanted him to make better decisions during matches.

“When the coach arrived, he told me that he knows my style of play, but sometimes it’s not necessary for me to be showboating,” Vilakazi explained.

Importantly, the 20-year-old stressed that the instruction was not a demand to stop expressing himself or remove creativity from his game.

“But he didn’t say I must stop doing it, but what I told myself is that the team comes first. I can’t be showboating when my team is not getting the results,” he added.

His comments suggest that the youngster understands the responsibility that comes with representing one of South Africa’s biggest football clubs.

At Kaizer Chiefs, individual brilliance is often celebrated, but supporters ultimately expect performances that translate into victories and improved league results.

Vilakazi also acknowledged that showboating is not always something a footballer deliberately plans. Sometimes, his natural instincts take over when he finds himself in possession of the ball.

“Sometimes you don’t plan the showboating; it just happens,” he said.

That admission highlights the natural flair that makes him an exciting prospect for the Soweto giants.

With the highly anticipated Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates approaching, Vilakazi will be hoping to turn his creativity into a decisive contribution.

For Da Cruz, the challenge is to maintain the youngster’s confidence while ensuring his individual qualities serve the collective interests of the team.

Chiefs supporters will certainly hope that Obrigado’s skills, combined with greater decision-making, can help Amakhosi deliver the results they desperately want.

Source https://x.com/ChiefsCentralZA/status/2116110864915050619

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