# **10 Future Stars from Soweto to Watch in 2025 – The Next Generation of Kaizer Chiefs & Orlando Pirates Talent**
Soweto has long been the heartbeat of South African football, producing legends like **Doctor Khumalo, Jomo Sono, and Benni McCarthy**. As we look ahead to 2025, a new wave of talent is emerging from **development academies, school tournaments, and the DDC (DStv Diski Challenge)**.
In this exclusive scouting report, we highlight **10 rising stars from Soweto** who could dominate South African football in the coming years. From **Kaizer Chiefs’ Mfundo Vilakazi** to **Orlando Pirates’ Relebohile Mofokeng**, these youngsters have the potential to become household names.
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## **1. Mfundo Vilakazi (Kaizer Chiefs – Attacking Midfielder)**
**Age:** 18
**Position:** Attacking Midfielder / Winger
**Style:** Creative playmaker with dazzling dribbling
### **Why He’s One to Watch:**
– Nicknamed **”Obrigado”** for his Brazilian-like flair
– Standout performer in **Chiefs’ DDC team**
– Already training with the first team under **Cavin Johnson**
– Comparisons to **Themba Zwane** for his close control & vision
**2025 Prediction:** First-team breakthrough at Chiefs or a European move.
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## **2. Relebohile Mofokeng (Orlando Pirates – Winger)**
**Age:** 19
**Position:** Right Winger / Second Striker
**Style:** Explosive, direct, and unpredictable
### **Why He’s One to Watch:**
– Made his **Pirates first-team debut in 2023**
– Impressed in **CAF Champions League** appearances
– Exceptional speed and 1v1 ability
– Recently trained with **Wolves FC** in England
**2025 Prediction:** A key player for Pirates or a move abroad.
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## **3. Siyabonga Mabena (Sundowns DDC – Striker)**
**Age:** 17
**Position:** Striker
**Style:** Clinical finisher with great movement
### **Why He’s One to Watch:**
– Top scorer in the **2023 DDC season**
– Already training with Sundowns’ first team
– Natural poacher with both-footed finishing
– Similar playing style to **Peter Shalulile**
**2025 Prediction:** A PSL debut and potential Bafana call-up.
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## **4. Gomolemo Khoto (Kaizer Chiefs DDC – Defensive Midfielder)**
**Age:** 18
**Position:** Defensive Midfielder
**Style:** A modern No. 6 with excellent passing range
### **Why He’s One to Watch:**
– Anchored Chiefs’ DDC midfield with **90% pass accuracy**
– Strong tackler and intelligent reader of the game
– Could solve Chiefs’ long-term midfield issues
**2025 Prediction:** A PSL debut and future midfield general.
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## **5. Thabang Mahlangu (SuperSport United – Winger)**
**Age:** 17
**Position:** Left Winger
**Style:** Rapid, skillful, and direct
### **Why He’s One to Watch:**
– Starred in **Soweto school football** before joining SuperSport
– Dribbling ability compared to **Aubrey Modiba**
– Recently called up to **South Africa U-20**
**2025 Prediction:** A breakout season in the PSL.
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## **6. Kamogelo Mahlangu (Moroka Swallows DDC – Striker)**
**Age:** 18
**Position:** Striker
**Style:** Powerful, athletic, and strong in the air
### **Why He’s One to Watch:**
– Scored **15 goals in the 2023 DDC season**
– Physical presence similar to **Lars Veldwijk**
– Could be Swallows’ next big academy product
**2025 Prediction:** A PSL debut and potential top scorer.
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## **7. Siphesihle Mkhize (Orlando Pirates DDC – Central Midfielder)**
**Age:** 17
**Position:** Box-to-Box Midfielder
**Style:** Energetic, hardworking, and technically sound
### **Why He’s One to Watch:**
– Dominant in **Pirates’ youth tournaments**
– Excellent ball retention and work rate
– Could follow in **Miguel Timm’s** footsteps
**2025 Prediction:** A first-team chance under Jose Riveiro.
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## **8. Katlego Mohamme (Kaizer Chiefs DDC – Centre-Back)**
**Age:** 18
**Position:** Centre-Back
**Style:** Composed, strong in duels, and a leader
### **Why He’s One to Watch:**
– Captain of **Chiefs’ DDC team**
– Strong aerial presence and good distribution
– Could be Chiefs’ long-term defensive solution
**2025 Prediction:** A loan move for first-team experience.
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## **9. Lesego Moseki (Stellenbosch FC – Attacking Midfielder)**
**Age:** 17
**Position:** No. 10
**Style:** Creative, agile, and a set-piece specialist
### **Why He’s One to Watch:**
– Former **Soweto school football star**
– Recently signed by Stellenbosch’s academy
– Vision and passing range beyond his years
**2025 Prediction:** A PSL debut and rising star.
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## **10. Thato Maseko (TS Galaxy DDC – Right-Back)**
**Age:** 18
**Position:** Right-Back
**Style:** Overlapping full-back with great crossing
### **Why He’s One to Watch:**
– One of the **best full-backs in the DDC**
– Strong defensively but loves to attack
– Could follow **Nyiko Mobbie’s** career path
**2025 Prediction:** A PSL breakthrough and Bafana U-23 call-up.
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## **How Soweto Continues to Produce Talent**
Soweto remains a **football factory** due to:
✅ **Strong school football culture**
✅ **Top academies (Pirates, Chiefs, and others)**
✅ **Grassroots tournaments like Philly’s Games**
✅ **DDC providing a pathway to first-team football**
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## **Which of These Stars Will Shine Brightest?**
The future looks bright for Soweto football, with **Mfundo Vilakazi and Relebohile Mofokeng** leading the charge. If these players continue developing, we could see:
– **European transfers**
– **Bafana Bafana call-ups**
– **PSL dominance**
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### **FAQs**
#### **1. Who is the most exciting talent on this list?**
**Mfundo Vilakazi** has the highest ceiling due to his creativity and flair.
#### **2. Will Relebohile Mofokeng move to Europe?**
There’s strong interest, but Pirates will likely keep him for 2025.
#### **3. Which DDC team produces the best talent?**
**Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates** lead in youth development.
#### **4. Who could be the next breakout star?**
**Siyabonga Mabena (Sundowns)** has the tools to explode in 2025.
#### **5. How can I watch these players?**
Follow **DStv Diski Challenge** and PSL reserve matches.
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### **Final Thoughts**
Soweto’s football legacy is in safe hands. These **10 rising stars** have the talent to follow in the footsteps of South Africa’s greats. **Who are you most excited about? Let us know in the comments!**
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**Meta Description:**
Discover **10 future stars from Soweto** set to dominate in 2025, including **Mfundo Vilakazi & Relebohile Mofokeng**. The next generation of Kaizer Chiefs & Orlando Pirates talent!
**Tags:**
Soweto football talent, Kaizer Chiefs DDC, Orlando Pirates youth, Mfundo Vilakazi, Relebohile Mofokeng, future PSL stars, DStv Diski Challenge, South African football prospects
