Steven Mendes: Kaizer Chiefs Star Catches MLS Attention After Standout Performance
- Kaizer Chiefs prospect Steven Mendes claimed the Golden Boot at the COSAFA U20 tournament in Maputo, Mozambique
- Diski Challenge coach Vela Khumalo believes the 18-year-old midfielder is ready to step up to the Kaizer Chiefs first team
- Major League Soccer side Chicago Fire are reportedly monitoring the teenager nicknamed 'Stevie G' by his teammates
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Kaizer Chiefs teenager Steven Mendes has emerged as one of South African football's most exciting young talents after a standout performance at the COSAFA U20 Championship in Maputo, Mozambique, where he claimed the Golden Boot award.
The 18-year-old, who primarily operates as a midfielder, was deployed as a striker for the tournament and took full advantage of the positional shift. His exploits for Amajita have not gone unnoticed beyond South Africa's borders, with reports emerging that MLS outfit Chicago Fire have been monitoring the youngster.
**Khumalo Backs Mendes for First-Team Promotion**
Kaizer Chiefs Diski Challenge coach Vela Khumalo has spoken up for the teenager, expressing confidence that Mendes already has both the technical ability and the mental maturity to compete at senior level. Khumalo's endorsement adds weight to growing calls within the club's supporter base for the prospect, nicknamed "Stevie G" by teammates, to be fast-tracked into the first team setup.
Whether Chiefs would entertain selling such a promising talent at this stage of his development remains an open question.
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**Chiefs Struggle for Goals Ahead of Stellenbosch Clash**
The timing of Mendes' emergence is particularly relevant given Chiefs' inconsistent form in the Betway Premiership. The Soweto giants have drawn four of their seven league matches and have failed to find the net in each of their last two outings. They have dropped points in four of their last five games.
The absence of Wandile Duba, who scored three goals in four league appearances this season, has visibly blunted their attack. Chiefs' next fixture is a Betway Premiership match against Stellenbosch on Saturday, 17 October, with kick-off at 15:30. After a lengthy international break, supporters will be hoping the squad returns refreshed and more clinical in front of goal.
Source: Briefly News
