Football is a very important form of entertainment which is why people flock our stadiums in their numbers. The Beautiful Game is not just to be enjoyed by the supporters but the footballers themselves, as well. With that in mind, how many of Kaizer Chiefs’ youngsters do you think really enjoy playing football, at the moment?
Can you imagine how it feels to be a Chiefs development player or youngster in the last couple of seasons? What is there for them to celebrate or enjoy? When you are Mfundo Vilakazi, who was rewarded with a first team contract last week, looking to make a name for yourself but things are just not happening for the team, it must weigh you down. It sets you back because you are constantly under pressure, as people expect miracles from you instead of allowing you to grow. Due to the team’s current form, the extreme pressure and volatile environment, unlike your contemporaries from other teams, you have very little to enjoy on the field of play. At that age, you want to play football for fun but how do you do that when everyone around you is on a panic mode?
You watch Siyabonga Mabena at Mamelodi Sundowns, Devin Titus at Stellenbosch FC, Relebohile Mofokeng at Orlando Pirates and many other players of your age enjoying their football and expressing themselves on a regular basis on the field of play. How does that make you feel when the same cannot be said about you because your team is in such a deep hole? Your seniors, who are supposed to be out there guiding and protecting you, fear for their careers because they are under tremendous pressure. Try as they may, things are just not happening for them and their team. The technical team is not sure whether they are coming or going, because of the instability that has been taking place over the years, while the results are simply not forthcoming.
