In the wake of an avalanche of criticism from players and pundits alike, Kaizer Chiefs' rising star has received backing from club legend Jabu Mahlangu, who commended the 18-year-old's bravery.
Vilakazi has been the subject of much debate in recent weeks over what some have described as unnecessary showboating during Amakhosi's 4-0 defeat to Tanzania champions Young Africans in the pre-season tournament, the Toyota Cup.
Stephane Aziz Ki, who was Vilakazi's opponent on the day, slammed the teenager's display as 'nonsense' considering that Chiefs were already down by 1-0 at the time.
Since then, social media corridors have also been divided by Vilakazi's showing.
READ | Showboating: 'You can't entertain people if you are losing'
Mfundo Vilakazi will be protected, none of these boys should be scapegoats or bashed when we have so many old and experienced useless players. Leave a child alone! pic.twitter.com/SOAijuxE6g
— Mo'????? (@_DimpledMo) July 30, 2024
A year ago Arthur Zwane had a very public lecture with Mfundo Vilakazi about showboating, the boy did not listen
— Siphamandla Mbatha (@Ntokozo_Shandu) July 30, 2024
However, Mahlangu, who was also known for his somewhat flamboyant style of football during his playing days, has thrown his support behind Vilakazi.
"If we are speaking about Mfundo, I think firstly, he is Kaizer Chiefs material; unesibindi (he's brave), for him to do that in front of that crowd," Mahlangu said on the Jabu Mahlangu and Diski Shandis Podcast.
"That's the character of Kaizer Chiefs players, from generation to generation, who have this character. From teenager Dladla, to Ace Motsoeneng, to Doctor Khumalo, to Tski Tsiki (Thabo Mooki) to Jabu Pule to Stanton Fredericks.
"Our skill [back then] and these kids' skills will not be the same, people need to understand that.
"The skills of Ace Motsoeneng and Jomo Sono – you remember how they used to do it? They would stand on the ball and things, but they were still good. They were skilful players.
"And the talents from generation to generation, are different. These kids these days are doing different skills.
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"Okay, strikers are also bound to miss sometimes but you can't blame Mfundo for that. We are going to protect this boy, we won't allow people one week to say 'hey Mfundo is great' then next week when the team loses they want to say 'Mfundo is showboating'.
"Mfundo, do what you do best, you have talent and the coach believes in you and will help your game to grow and be a better player. So for me, I want him to it because we don't have players like that, that get the crowd on their feet.
"As soon as the players gel together, you are going to see Mfundo for Kaizer Chiefs and he is going to be one of the most important players for Kaizer Chiefs in the coming seasons, he is still a young man, he still has a lot to learn and he is allowed to make mistakes."