Kaizer Chiefs defender Miguel Inácio has shown his commitment to the club and his teammates by sending a heartfelt birthday message to starlet Mfundo Vilakazi in isiZulu.
Inácio, a Portuguese speaker who joined Amakhosi at the beginning of the season, surprised fans and teammates alike by expressing his well wishes in the South African language.
The defender posted a photo of himself with Vilakazi on his Instagram story, accompanied by the Zulu message. It read: “Okuhle kodwa ngane yakwethu” [I wish you all good things, brother].
The Angolan defender’s gesture highlights the strong bond he is forging with his new teammates at Chiefs, even across language barriers.
Vilakazi, who turned 19 on Tuesday, has been making waves in the Betway Premiership and has caught the eye of many football fans. The Soweto-born youngster has already scored one goal in the opening game against Marumo Gallants. Chiefs went on to win the match 2-1, thanks to the SA junior international’s late strike in a league game.
WHAT WANDILE DUBA HAS SAID ABOUT MIGUEL INACIO
Chiefs forward Wandile Duba has previously spoken about how influential the former Petro de Luanda defender is in their dressing room.
“Miguel is a true leader; I’m not going to lie. He is so encouraging, especially to us youngsters,” Duba said recently. “He likes to see us do well, so he pushes us a lot. He’s a real leader, and I’m not saying other players that are around are not leaders. It’s just that he has his ways.”
The 20-year-old shared how Inácio has been supportive to his younger teammates whenever they are having a bad game.
“If he sees you having a bad game, he comes to you and encourages you to keep pushing.”
The Angolan has not had an easy start to South African football, having picked five yellow cards and a red card against Mamelodi Sundowns in the 4-0 defeat in the Carling Knockout Cup.
He will miss Chiefs’ next game against Richards Bay FC on 27 November 2024 at the Peter Mokaba Stadium in the league. In his absence, coach Nasreddine Nabi looks likely to turn to Given Msimango.
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