Exclusive I Dillon Sheppard hails progress of young midfield talents Shabalala and Vilakazi

Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge assistant coach Dillon Sheppard has praised the character and development of rising stars Mfundo Vilakazi and Mduduzi Shabalala as they continue to establish themselves within the senior setup.

The two academy-bred midfielders—firm favourites among the club’s supporters—have been entrusted with significant responsibility this season as Amakhosi aim to re-establish themselves as one of the country’s leading teams.

Chiefs have exceeded their early-season expectations and head into the Africa Cup of Nations break sitting fourth on the log, a position that reflects the progress they have made during a period of rebuilding.

Shabalala and Vilakazi, both products of the club’s development system, have been central to navigating this transitional phase, during which Chiefs have undergone considerable changes in both coaching staff and playing personnel.

Sheppard, who plays a key role in overseeing the youth structures and facilitating the pathway to the first team, has been particularly impressed with the strides made by the young duo—especially this season, with Shabalala rediscovering some of his best form while also pushing strongly for national-team recognition as one of the backup options for the upcoming AFCON.

“They have both come on really nicely, Shabba has been in the mix for the national team, and he has done really well,” Sheppard told Independent Newspapers.

“Sometimes in some really high-pressure situations he has come through, and I think he has been a lot more consistent this season than the last. He is still a young boy, and he is still going to learn, and the only way to do that is by gaining minutes, as that will give him the experience.”

Following his impressive performances at the Fifa U20 World Cup, Sheppard added that Vilakazi is also on an upward trajectory.

“It’s the same with Mfundo, he had a good U20 World Cup, and he has shown good form since he came back. With more minutes he will also grow.

“He has been playing in the wider areas, but when he comes in, he’s very effective when he gets on his left foot, as he can cause problems, and he has a good shot.

“They both have to keep doing what they have been doing because it’s not easy at a team like Kaizer Chiefs, but they have the personality and the character, and I have no doubt that they will succeed.”

Despite the immense pressure that comes with representing one of the country’s biggest clubs—pressure often intensified by inconsistent results—Sheppard has been impressed with how both youngsters have handled expectations and criticism.

“You can't compare the first-team pressure to any other pressure," he added. 

“The DDC has helped them to deal with the big crowds, and they have slowly gained a little bit of experience. 

“Once you’re thrown in the deep end and criticism comes when the team isn’t winning, what I’ve liked about them is how big their characters are. They keep going back, working on their game, and they don’t allow themselves to get distracted by the noise.

“It’s important for them with every minute that they get on the pitch to perform at their best.”