SEDIBENG.- Former Kaizer Chiefs development player Mthokozisi Balakasi has joined the Orlando Pirates DSTV Diski Challenge team.
This former Nale Academy development player was part of Pirates’ DDC team that played a friendly match against Perfect Academy at George Thabe Stadium in Sharpeville in the Vaal on Sunday.
Balakasi came on in the second half as a substitute and scored a brace.
He is regarded as one of the most prolific strikers to emerge from the Vaal and was recommended to the Kaizer Chiefs development side by his academy in Vanderbijlpark. Giving his brief background, he was part of the SA U17 National Team that competed in the COSAFA Tournament in 2017, shortly after joining the Chiefs development.
He also finished as the top goal scorer in the Gauteng Future International Club Tournament.
He was once part of the Chiefs DDC squad but, like many young talents, found himself lost in the club’s system despite growing up there. Before his release, he had a brief loan spell with KwaZulu-Natal’s Motsepe Foundation Championship side, Uthongathi FC.
He later turned out for another Motsepe Foundation Championship outfit, Venda Academy. Now back in the DDC, he is one of the players to watch in the coming season. His hunger for goals remains strong, and on Sunday against Perfect Academy, he looked sharp and dangerous.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster, his Pirates DDC Coach, Joseph Makhanya said, “He must take care of himself, because I have no doubt he is a great player.”
