Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has reiterated the need to protect youngster Mfundo Vilakazi due to his inconsistent game time and the potential for injury with frequent appearances.

This follows Vilakazi’s introduction in the 30th minute against Stellenbosch in the Betway Premiership match at FNB Stadium on Wednesday. Coach Nabi was dissatisfied with the performances of Bradley Cross and Ashley du Preez.

At that point, Chiefs were level with Stellenbosch at 1-1 after Wandile Duba’s equalizer canceled out Khomotso Lekoloane’s early goal for the visitors.

Vilakazi’s substitution proved to be inspiring, particularly in the second half. The youngster played a defense-splitting pass, and Duba finished clinically at the near post to claim the brace and secure all three points for Chiefs.

“It’s a talent from the academy, from the club, he is only 19 years old,” said Nabi. 

“I would say that his development, even his physical development, is not yet 100 percent, which means we need to protect the player. 

“We need to give him time that will allow him to showcase himself and we believe that he doesn’t have consistent of playing 90 minutes in successive games without time to recover. 

“We feel those minutes he is getting will give him confidence, the momentum.”  

Chiefs, who had lost to Cape Town City on Sunday, moved up to fifth in the Betway Premiership with 18 points from 12 matches, overtaking Steve Barker’s Stellenbosch, who dropped to seventh.

Duba’s goal moved him level with teammate Mdu Shabalala in the scoring charts.

Unlike previous matches against City and Chippa United in Durban, where he played out wide, Nabi hinted that Duba might assume a more central role if his scoring form continues.

“If he continues to score, he will be playing there,” said Nabi.

Nabi will be hoping Duba and the rest of his players can maintain this momentum when they host Golden Arrows at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday (15:30).