Orlando Pirates fans have fond memories of Benedict Vilakazi.
Small, fast and always on the scoresheet, Vilakazi, otherwise known as “Tso” or, more fittingly, “Little Napoleon”, was as lethal as they came, scoring a club-best fifty-two goals for the Buccaneers – all while playing in midfield.
The boy from Soweto made it big in his hometown. Scandals came his way, but they never tarnished his legendary status—he was one of the finest talents to grace the PSL.
Where is he now?
Shortly after retiring in 2015, Vilakazi took to television and quickly became a respected football analyst, featuring especially on Nkululeko Nkewu’s iDiski TV podcast.
In 2021, the former Mamelodi Sundowns maestro diverted his attention to coaching, attending a FIFA course in Botswana before taking the reins at National Division side Orange Vaal Professionals.
Now, he finds himself at the Prestige Football Development Academy, where he hones his coaching skills in hopes of returning to the PSL and teaching the next generation his silky, riveting tricks.
“It’s the academy that I have known since 2014, if I remember well,” said Orlando Pirates’ leading scorer.
“He [Ibrahim Njoya] has asked me to come on board [Prestige Football Development], and after a meeting with him and the CEO, it was decided that I should join. How the academy functions and their objectives and everything that we do were outlined, and I was happy to get involved,” Vilakazi added.
“How the academy functions and their objectives and everything they do were outlined, and I was happy to get involved. I believe that I have made a good decision by getting involved with them,
“They have an agreement with Mainz, the club from Germany that whenever there are good players who are showing potential here at home, they will be sent to Germany for opportunities and chance to be signed,
“We know that in South Africa it is not always easy for things to happen for aspiring footballers, and I am just happy to be involved in such a project, and I will be working towards helping them get closer to realising their dreams and I am hoping that when opportunities do come their way they will grab them with both hands,” the Orlando Pirates great concluded.
What is your favourite Vilakazi-Orlando Pirates memory?
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