Orlando Pirates followers have fond reminiscences of Benedict Vilakazi.
Small, quick and all the time on the scoresheet, Vilakazi, in any other case often called “Tso” or, extra fittingly, “Little Napoleon”, was as deadly as they got here, scoring a club-best fifty-two objectives for the Buccaneers – all whereas enjoying in midfield.
The boy from Soweto made it huge in his hometown. Scandals got here his means, however they by no means tarnished his legendary standing—he was one of many best skills to grace the PSL.
The place is he now?
Shortly after retiring in 2015, Vilakazi took to tv and shortly turned a revered soccer analyst, that includes particularly on Nkululeko Nkewu’s iDiski TV podcast.
In 2021, the previous Mamelodi Sundowns maestro diverted his consideration to teaching, attending a FIFA course in Botswana earlier than taking the reins at Nationwide Division aspect Orange Vaal Professionals.
Now, he finds himself on the Status Soccer Growth Academy, the place he hones his teaching expertise in hopes of returning to the PSL and instructing the subsequent technology his silky, riveting methods.
“It’s the academy that I’ve recognized since 2014, if I keep in mind effectively,” mentioned Orlando Pirates’ main scorer.
“He [Ibrahim Njoya] has requested me to return on board [Prestige Football Development], and after a gathering with him and the CEO, it was determined that I ought to be a part of. How the academy features and their aims and every little thing that we do had been outlined, and I used to be joyful to become involved,” Vilakazi added.
“How the academy features and their aims and every little thing they do had been outlined, and I used to be joyful to become involved. I imagine that I’ve made a great choice by getting concerned with them,
“They’ve an settlement with Mainz, the membership from Germany that at any time when there are good gamers who’re displaying potential right here at house, they are going to be despatched to Germany for alternatives and probability to be signed,
“We all know that in South Africa it isn’t all the time simple for issues to occur for aspiring footballers, and I’m simply joyful to be concerned in such a mission, and I can be working in the direction of serving to them get nearer to realising their desires and I hope that when alternatives do come their means they are going to seize them with each palms,” the Orlando Pirates nice concluded.
What’s your favorite Vilakazi-Orlando Pirates reminiscence?
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