Out of all the motivations that may come his way, Kaizer Chiefs youngster Mfundo Vilakazi's biggest source of inspiration is a mbokodo, his grandmother.
There are a few things that come close to the warmth of a grandmother’s tender hands, and this is why success is on Vilakazi’s mind. But he understands that the road will not be easy, as it has never been for “Obrigado”.
The Amakhosi young sensation was promoted to the senior team this past season after cutting his teeth in the reserve league.
Vilakazi’s journey to the top is still in its infant stages, as the teenager is viewed as one of the future stars of Mzansi football, along with the likes of Shandre Campbell and Relebohile Mofokeng.
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You might imagine that the story of long treks by foot from one destination to the other would be a forgotten tale in South Africa, but not too long ago – this was the reality for Vilakazi, who recalls his hardships in the journey to become a professional footballer.
“We grew up in the township, so there is no transport in kasi. We had to walk for about two hours, and when we got to the field, we are tired, but we had to warm up and play,” Vilakazi said on SuperSport.
“After that, we have to walk back home and we’re tired. You get home late, you cannot study and they give you a tongue-lashing,” he added.
Sekhukhune United’s Linda Mntambo said a big part of his motivation for being in football is the remuneration, as footballers are believed to be among the top shelve earners in the country.
“Vilakazi also leans towards that line of thought, and for him to do well on the pitch, he draws from a well of inspiration.
“I want to be successful and help my family have the things that they have always wanted. I also want my children to not suffer the way I did.
“I stay with my grandmother, and if she does not have money, coach Morgan (his amateur ranks coach) would give me money for transport to training.
“My grandmother is very special because I know that if I want to have a good performance, I must talk to my grandmother first, then I know I will pay well,” said “Obrigado”, who went on to reveal his reason for making a career out of “the beautiful game”, as popularised by Brazilian legend Pele.
“I choose football because I am not so good at school. Even when I try to commit myself, I cannot do it.
“When people tell me that I am a star, I don’t let that get into my head because If I do that I will think I have arrived and that I am big. You should not put those kinds of things in your head,” Vilakazi explained.
“Obrigado” is among those who are being put through their paces at Kaizer Chiefs by new head coach Naresddine Nabi, and it remains to be seen whether the Tunisian mentor will give Vilakazi, along with other youngsters, a chance to showcase their talent in the Soweto giants’ revival trail.
