Former Mamelodi Sundowns midfielder Sibusiso Vilakazi found himself in a tough corner following his early departure from TS Galaxy after just spending six months there.
However, one team’s loss is another team’s gain and reports are that Sekhukhune United signed a short-term deal with the former Bafana Bafana international.
Vilakazi’s confidence might not be at its best given the altercation between him and his former coach Sead Ramovic that had resulted in him (Vilakazi) being sent to the Diski Challenge squad.
This might have challenged Vilakazi’s character a bit, a player of his status playing in the Diski Challenge would have knocked his mental strength.
So, it might take time before Sekhukhune see top-notch performances that Vilakazi displayed at defending league champions Sundowns.
The 33-year-old is a champion player that has won multiple league titles and played in the Caf Champions League at the highest level. That speaks to his championship mentality which can be explored by coach Brandon Truter.
Vilakazi’s style of play will complement coach Truter’s style of play. It is known that the coach enjoys playing attacking and possession-based football. Vila is a player who is comfortable on the ball, has a good eye to lay off a well-timed pass and has scoring ability.
Sekhukhune has scored 18 goals in the league so far and with Vilakazi in the side, he will guarantee more goals and assists. Babina Noko have been searching for an attacking midfielder over the past few months and coach Brandon Truter will be delighted to have Vilakazi in his squad.
Truter likes to play with a 4-3-3 formation, which compliments Vilakazi very well as an attacking midfielder. This gives room for the coach to explore the option of playing Given Mashikinya, Sammy Seabi and Vilakazi as a diamond in the middle of the park. That gives cover and attacking freedom for Vilakazi to create more chances for Sepana Letsoalo and Chibuike Ohizu to score goals.
Not only can coach Truter use Vilakazi as an attacking midfielder, but he also can play Vilakazi on the wings to cut inside and create more options on the side or as a false number nine.
We have seen how vital Vilakazi was when playing from the wing or as a false number nine for Sundowns, this gives Truter options to utilize Vilakazi in different positions in different games. Vila can cause a threat from the middle of the park and the sides as well which benefits Sekhukhune more.
Vilakazi might fit perfectly at Sekhukhune if used well by the coach when he’s fit, and he can help the team to secure a top-eight spot, as they currently sit seventh on the Dstv Premiership.
Despite only playing eight games in his last stint at Sundowns, Vilakazi is only 33 years old, arguably still at his best age to give his best performance. The South African might have played just a few games, but, he still showed his ability and hunger to perform.
He would want to prove that he still has some mileage in the tank to produce a high level of football for at least another three years, however, that is yet to be seen.
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