Kaizer Chiefs' youngsters spark revival as Mduduzi Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi shine

Chiefs not only drew level with champions and then-log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns on 22 points after the game - despite trailing on goal difference - but they also eased the pressure on the team and co-coaches Cedric Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef. The duo had come under heavy scrutiny after the club decided to retain them as co-coaches following the sacking of their superior, Nasreddine Nabi, who had originally brought them in as his assistants. Their campaign initially faltered as they endured a winless streak in the league and were eliminated from the Carling Knockout by Stellenbosch away from home. But they seem to have turned the corner. They led Chiefs to qualification for the CAF Confederation Cup group stage and have now won their last two games against Durban City and Orbit College, respectively. In all those matches, Shabalala and Vilakazi have played central roles. Shabalala has shown immense growth over the past few months, beginning to live up to expectations at the club. When the team handed him a professional contract a few seasons ago, he was regarded as one of the best youngsters to come through the reserve league and was expected to make an immediate impact in top-flight football. But that wasn't the case. Shabalala struggled to make an early impact at the club and in the league, later admitting that fellow youngsters Relebohile Mofokeng and his former Orlando Pirates teammate Mohau Nkota were miles ahead of him last season - a reality aided by the stronger environment they had at the Buccaneers. While Chiefs were clearly struggling to produce results and consistent performances, Shabalala should arguably have stood head and shoulders above the rest. But better late than never.