Khumalo Backs COSAFA Golden Boot Winner Mendes For Chiefs First Team

Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) head coach Vela Khumalo has no doubt Steven Mendes is destined for the top after his starring role in guiding Amajita to a successful COSAFA U-20 Championship defense and qualification for next year’s CAF U-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.

Mendes was on the scoresheet alongside Oarabile Booysen as the South African Under-20 national team defeated Mozambique 2-1 on Sunday, retaining their regional crown for a second consecutive year.

The strike brought Mendes’ tournament tally to six goals, earning the Chiefs forward the Golden Boot award. The prolific youngster had previously netted twice from the penalty spot in South Africa’s 4-2 semi-final victory over Zambia.

Mendes was not the only Chiefs academy prospect to shine in Mozambique; goalkeeper Takalani Mazhamba claimed the Golden Glove award as Amajita wrapped up an unbeaten tournament, scoring 13 goals and conceding just three.

Following the Amajita’s troumph, Mendes and Mazhamba were named in the COSAFA Cup team of the tournament.

Because Mendes, Mazhamba, Egan Freese, and Tebogo Mlangeni were all on national duty with Amajita, they were unavailable for selection as Amakhosi claimed a thrilling 3-2 victory over Orlando Pirates in their DDC season opener at Princess Magogo Stadium on Sunday.

“I think I should first take this opportunity to congratulate our Under-20 team for qualifying for the AFCON,” Khumalo said.

“With the Mendes story, everyone is talking about it. There are five players who were not part of our DDC squad because of national duty. But Mendes is a special player. He is a top player, and I think he is going to make it big.

“He has grown in stature and is exceptionally talented. It is just a matter of time before he gets recognized by first-team coaches. He is already knocking on the door and training in and out with the senior squad. He is a special, talented player, and this is fantastic for our development setup.”

Chiefs, who won the DDC title in the 2024/25 season, expect to welcome back their Amajita stars when they take on Mamelodi Sundowns at Dobsonville Stadium on Sunday.

Reflecting on their opening-day performance—where Chiefs stormed into a 3-0 lead before surviving a second-half fightback from Pirates—Khumalo expressed confidence that his side will refine their performance.

“We will be better in the next match against Sundowns,” Khumalo added. “We will continue to improve as time goes on.”