Vilakazi reveals the half-time wake-up call that sparked Chiefs’ cup comeback

Kaizer Chiefs winger Mfundo Vilakazi has opened up on the simple but powerful message from coach Fernando Da Cruz at half-time that helped the Amakhosi turn a difficult game around and book their place in the Carling Knockout semi-finals.

The Soweto giants faced Siwelele FC at the New Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday in a quarter-final clash. Things got off to a rough start for the home side when Siyabonga Ndebele headed Siwelele in front after only 12 minutes from a corner. Chiefs had chances to respond, but Mduduzi Shabalala missed a penalty before the break.

Wandile Duba then stepped up in first-half stoppage time and calmly scored from the spot after Siwelele gave away another penalty. The teams went into the change rooms level at 1-1, with Chiefs still having work to do.

According to Vilakazi, known to many fans as Paper 2, the coach kept his message short and clear in the dressing room. “At half-time, the coach told us that we were playing well,” the left-footed attacker explained. “He told us to calm down when we get to the opponents’ box. The score was 1-1, and he told us to be patient, to play as if it’s still 0-0 and the winning goal would come by itself.”

The advice worked. Chiefs stayed composed after the break and continued to push. Substitute Asanele Velebayi made the difference in the 84th minute, finishing calmly after being set up by fellow substitute Flavio da Silva. The goal sealed a 2-1 win and sent the Glamour Boys through to the last four.

Vilakazi, who was involved in the build-up play and won one of the penalties, said he was relieved and happy with the result. “I’m happy that we were able to secure a spot in the semi-finals. It was not an easy game, but we managed to go through,” he said. He also had a message for the supporters: “The fans are always with us. We won’t always be crying. There will be ups and downs. We are asking them to never give up on us. We will try by all means to keep them happy, and I think today we made them happy.”

The win means Chiefs will face a tough semi-final away to Mamelodi Sundowns. For Vilakazi and his teammates, the half-time reminder to stay patient proved exactly what they needed on the day.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2119777243320688923?a=CPepPs_wWsCyej8MieQ&s=19

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