Kaizer Chiefs youth coach Vela Khumalo has built a strong reputation inside the club’s development structures after helping produce several players who have gone on to represent both Amakhosi and South Africa’s youth national teams.
Khumalo admitted that he dreams of one day coaching the senior side and explained exactly what changes he would make if he got the opportunity.
KAIZER CHIEFS DSTV DISKI CHALLENGE COACH VELA KHUMALO WANTS YOUNGSTERS TRUSTED
“Only when the time is right, not now, I don’t know when that might be, but we are hoping that one day, just for one day…” Khumalo told KickOff.
“The first thing first would be, play players who knows what I want, how I want to play, and how Kaizer Chiefs play. That is the most important thing.
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“If you look at the likes of Relebohile Mofokeng they played against us in the DDC and we used to beat them. So as Kaizer Chiefs why are we not doing the same and play our boys now? That’s my main worry. Why are we not believing in them?
The experienced youth mentor believes Kaizer Chiefs have moved too slowly when it comes to trusting academy products in the first team, especially at a time when the club continues to search for consistency in the Betway Premiership.
Khumalo pointed to Orlando Pirates star Relebohile Mofokeng as an example of what can happen when clubs show bravery with younger players.
He insisted Kaizer Chiefs already have talented youngsters capable of handling pressure at senior level because many of them understand the club’s identity and style better than some senior players.
“I’m not saying the other players that are there in the first team are bad, what I’m saying is, Mdu [Shabalala], Wandile Duba, I have worked with them for quite a long time. They know exactly the philosophy of the team, they know what I want, and what is expected.”
‘GIVE THOSE BOYS A CHANCE’
Khumalo also questioned why other PSL clubs seem more willing to rely on young players while Chiefs remain hesitant despite dominating many development competitions.
“Let’s stop this thing of saying these boys they are still young. Siwelele they beat us with five DDC players, but we choose not to play with our DDC players when we are even dominating in the DDC,” the Kaizer Chiefs mentor added.
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