Despite fluctuating form and limited minutes, the club's coaching staff believe the attacking midfielder has the tools to influence games in more than one role.

Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has backed Vilakazi's adaptability, insisting the 20-year-old is capable of operating both out wide and centrally as a playmaker.

The South African junior international has enjoyed more exposure this season under Ben Youssef and fellow co-coach Cedric Kaze at Naturena, featuring across domestic and continental competitions.

Vilakazi has been part of the club's CAF Confederation Cup campaign, where he recorded one assist in four appearances. However, debate has persisted regarding his most effective position, with some suggesting he is best suited to a central attacking role rather than on the flank.

"Mfundo Vilakazi can play both positions, he can play as a winger and he can play as a playmaker," said Ben Youssef as quoted by iDiski Times.

"He is one of the best players for us. I think let's take it all the players, we can't only discuss about an individual player."

The Chiefs mentor stressed that Vilakazi is not alone in his versatility, pointing to several attacking options within the squad who are capable of adapting to different roles.

"It can be Vilakazi, it can be Mduduzi Shabalala, it can be Gaston Sirino, the playmaker and winger. It can be Glody Lilepo, it can be Pule Mmodi. I think all the players are ready to play and for us as technical staff is to choose the right squad for the game," he added.

Despite the praise, Vilakazi has not enjoyed regular starts after a dip in form. He has made 10 appearances in the Betway Premiership this season, scoring once.

In Chiefs' final CAF Confederation Cup match against Zamalek, he featured for just nine minutes as Amakhosi were eliminated, leaving the league as their sole focus for the remainder of the campaign.

Itumeleng Khune's playing days for Kaizer Chiefs are officially over