Chiefs Hand Academy Graduate Senior Chance
With the second half of the Betway Premiership fast approaching, Kaizer Chiefs are set to blood another graduate from their DStv Diski Challenge ranks, with insiders indicating a first-team debut could be imminent.
The Soweto giants have returned to Naturena to begin preparations for the remainder of the campaign, currently sitting fourth on the table with 24 points from 13 matches. Chiefs headed into the Africa Cup of Nations break on a subdued note after consecutive draws against Chippa United and TS Galaxy.
Among the youngsters catching the eye in first-team training is Thulani Mabaso. The DDC captain impressed throughout the reserve campaign and was one of the standout performers on Chiefs’ UK tour, where he found the net against Manchester United and Leeds United reserve sides.
Domestically, Mabaso played a central role as Amakhosi’s youth team stormed to the DStv Diski Challenge title last season, performances that have clearly registered with the technical team. Sources suggest he is now next in line to feature for the senior side, following the pathway taken earlier this season by Naledi Hlongwane.
While a regular starting role may be difficult initially, given Chiefs’ depth in midfield, Mabaso is firmly in the mix. He faces competition from the likes of Siphesihle Ndlovu, Lebohang Maboe, George Matlou, Nkosingiphile Ngcobo, Thabo Cele and Sibongiseni Mthethwa.
Mabaso signs first senior contract
In a further boost to his rise, Mabaso has reportedly signed his first senior professional contract with Kaizer Chiefs. According to SuperSport TV journalist Karabo Phasha, the 21-year-old left-footed midfielder from Meadowlands, Soweto, put pen to paper earlier this week and has been permanently promoted to the Betway Premiership squad.
The deal follows his recent involvement with the first team after the AFCON break and builds on a pre-season assessment period that saw him train in both the Netherlands and Johannesburg in July.
Mabaso, affectionately known as “Touch”, brings extensive DDC experience. He assumed the captaincy following Ntandoyenkosi Nkosi’s move to TS Galaxy and led the side on their UK tour, a reward for last season’s league triumph. In London, he underlined his attacking threat with goals against both Manchester United and Leeds United reserves.
His promotion takes Chiefs’ senior midfield options to seven and continues the club’s recent trend of elevating academy products, joining a list that includes Mduduzi Shabalala, Wandile Duba, Mfundo Vilakazi, Samkelo Zwane, Naledi Hlongwane, Donay Jansen and Aden McCarthy.
Chiefs return to competitive action on Tuesday when they host Golden Arrows at FNB Stadium in a Betway Premiership clash, a fixture that could yet provide Mabaso with his long-awaited senior debut.