Neo Bohloko in action for Kaizer Chiefs at the 2024 Engen Champ of Champs.
Kaizer Chiefs celebrated yet another Engen Champ of Champs triumph on the weekend, and there was a young striker who left everyone impressed along the way.
PLAYER PROFILE
Name: Neo Bohloko
Club: Kaizer Chiefs
Position: Striker
Age: 16
Preferred foot: Right
SCOUT REPORT
Soccer Laduma spoke to Orlando Pirates coach Andile Zulu, who worked as a scout at the 2024 Engen Champ of Champs. While it might’ve pained him to see Chiefs go all the way, Zulu was left massively impressed by 16-year-old striker Neo Bohloko.
What stood out to you the most about Bohloko?
Neo is a striker, he can shoot with both feet. He was the top scorer at the Engen tournament. He can come front post, come second post, those good areas, so he’s a player who always stays on target, positioning himself very, very well. He knows how to be in the right positions. He positions himself well; maybe when they (his teammates) choose to play a diagonal ball, they are able to find him at the right time. And that player, if you don’t watch out for him, as a defender, you end up costing the team because he identified good moments and he scored goals!
Should we be excited about seeing Neo in future?
Yes, I think Chiefs are within the process of developing the player. If you can check, there was (Andile) Duba. He is in the (Chiefs) first team. He started playing at the Engen, he was the top goalscorer in the Engen, and now he is playing in the first team. This player (Bohloko) is not far from Duba!
Were you impressed by Chiefs and their Engen Champ of Champs triumph?
Yes, they have been consistent in what they are doing. I think their development process is so good because they are able to promote players, develop players slowly and surely. It was not a fluke, it was something they are doing very well and in the right manner.
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