Dillon Sheppard backs Kaizer Chiefs' young guns to shine in Carling All Stars clash

Kaizer Chiefs Reserves assistant coach Dillon Sheppard has thrown his full support behind the Chiefs players selected for the Carling All Stars team to face Orlando Pirates in the Carling Black Label Cup at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.

The All Stars will be led by Golden Arrows coach Manqoba Mngqithi, who takes over from last year’s winning coach, Orlando Pirates’ Jose Riveiro. Chiefs — along with Mamelodi Sundowns — will be among the most represented clubs in the starting XI, with four players included: young star Mfundo Vilakazi, goalkeeper Brandon Petersen, Naledi Hlongwane and Thulani Mabaso.

With the Chiefs–Pirates rivalry as fierce as ever, Sheppard hopes the youngsters he has helped develop will seize the moment. He stressed that the fixture provides a valuable platform for rising players to showcase the qualities that earned them overwhelming fan votes.

“This is a great opportunity for the boys to showcase themselves,” Sheppard said.

“Mfundo has already scored in this tournament. If you look back at Naledi (Hlongwane), he had only one goal in six months, and after scoring two goals in the Carling, he went on to score 13 in three months.

“It’s a chance for them to show their quality against our archrivals. When opportunities like this come, it’s up to them to take them and demonstrate their abilities. Hopefully, it will open doors for more players to break into the first team.”

Sheppard has been instrumental in developing talent within the club’s youth structures, producing players who have not only progressed to Chiefs’ senior side but also attracted interest from other PSL teams.

Speaking on the challenges faced by reserve players stepping into the senior environment, he emphasised mental readiness.

“They have to compete against the players already there. They’re going up against top professionals with huge experience. For young players, timing is everything. When the opportunity comes, it’s about how prepared you are.

“I always tell the players: when you train with the first team, come back, show a good attitude and keep performing. When your chance arrives, it’s not just about being physically ready, but mentally ready. The pressure of playing for Chiefs is immense, and if you get an opportunity, you have to take it.”

Despite a slow start to the season, the reigning DStv Diski Challenge champions have regained confidence following their recent trip to the United Kingdom — a reward for last season’s title win. Sheppard, a former Bafana Bafana midfielder, believes the experience will serve them well.

“After the trip, the boys had the chance to spend time with top clubs and watch Premier League games, which is an inspiration for them as they aim to defend the title.

“At the start of the season, we had six draws in a row. In some of those games, we were on top but didn’t finish our chances. Going into the new year, we’ll prepare well. We have only a short break and are now looking ahead to our first game against Richards Bay.”