Veteran goal keeper Itumeleng Khune has offered a word of advice to teammate and Kaizer Chiefs rising star Mfundo Obrigado Vilakazi.
Both Khune and Vilakaze were voted among the players to make up the Carling All Stars XI that took on Carling Knockout winners Stellenbosch at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Saturday.
The pair were some of the stand-out players on the day, with Vilakazi scoring the opening goal and Khune walking wait with the Man of the Match award in a2-1 win over Stellies.
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Speaking to media after the match, the 36-year-old shot stopper said he was impressed by Vilakazi and offered advice to the 18-year-old, who is yet to make his DStv Premiership debut.
"Mfundo has to work hard. He must not lose hope, his time will come," Khune said.
"He just has to be patient with himself and stop reading whatever people are saying. Just keep on working hard on the field and when the time is right, the opportunity will come his way. I think it goes to other youngsters, not only Mfundo. But the players that he is playing with, he was playing with Mduduzi Shabalala and look what happened? He got promoted."
Mfundo Vilakazi is arrogant, skilled, and enjoys football. He is ready to play with big boys ?? pic.twitter.com/qjfKr00ZPE
— Mnyamani???? (@Zikamnyamane) January 7, 2024
Vilakazi was just one of five DDC starlets that were voted in to the match, alongside teammate Vicky Mkhawana, Jabulani Mokone and Kagiso Mnguni from Orlando Pirates, Masibonge Ngidi and Sphamandla Zikhali of AmaZulu.
"It's opening doors for everyone that is playing in the DDC and their games are live on TV. They are being watched week in and week out," Khune added.
"They are playing under a huge crowd when they play the DDC. So it gives them a great opportunity to get recognized by the first-team coaches. They just have to take their careers seriously, follow their hearts and be patient because when the other doors close, the other one opens.
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"I also had a dream when I was a youngster when I was still 17 before I got promoted. The same opportunities that the current DDC are getting were not there during our days. But I had an opportunity as a reserve team player once a month to play against the first team and that's how I managed to impress the coach," he added.
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