As one of the biggest football franchises in South Africa, Kaizer Chiefs has a large number of supporters nationwide. Many young children aspire to play for the team when they grow up – something which the club has acknowledged on numerous occasions. Through its development team, Kaizer Chiefs strives to nurture some of the country’s finest talent.
Founded on the 7th of January in 1970, the club has grown over the years to dominate on the domestic football scene. With millions of supporters countrywide, the club also has a long rivalry with fellow Soweto giants Orlando Pirates. This rivalry continues to play out on football fields every year as the clubs clash in domestic league football as well as numerous club competitions. Some of the club’s biggest fans were just children when they discovered their love for the team. Some youngsters have taken their passion to the next level by trying out for the team’s development academy. Football scouts have identified some of the best young players to create an impressive talent pool.
Kaizer Chiefs’ youngest player in the first team, Andisiwe Isaac Mtsila, is a product of this development team. The attacking midfielder who hails from Cape Town was born on the 12th of January 1995.
He joined the first team on July 1st in 2015 and the youngster joins the likes of the Premier Soccer League’s Most valuable player Bernard Parker, Siphiwe Tshabalala and award-winning goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune.
Kaizer Chiefs founder and Executive Chairman Kaizer Motaung told Kick Off magazine that his club’s development is a work in progress. The youth development structure recently moved closer to their first team training grounds.
Other young players in the Kaizer Chiefs squad include:
Reyaad Pieterse (23)
Simphiwe Mtsweni (21)
Siyanda Xulu (23)
Lorenzo Gordinho (21)
Sibongiseni Ngcobo (21)