Steven Mendes is the Kaizer Chiefs development midfielder who delivered the decisive penalty in South Africa's 2-1 victory over Mozambique in the 2026 COSAFA Under-20 final on 27 September. The Johannesburg prospect finished the tournament with six goals and the Golden Boot as Amajita retained the regional title and secured a place at the 2027 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
Who is Steven Mendes? Steven Mendes is an 18-year-old South African midfielder in the Kaizer Chiefs development system and the national Under-20 team. Nicknamed “Stevie G” in local football coverage, he emerged as a leading prospect after scoring six goals, including the final's winner, to claim the 2026 COSAFA U20 Golden Boot.
The Golden Boot run that put Mendes in focus
Mendes entered the COSAFA tournament as one of Amajita's creative threats and quickly became its most productive scorer. He struck twice in the 2-0 group-stage win over Lesotho, with CAF recording his goals on either side of half-time. He then scored against Angola as South Africa took control of its group.
The midfielder's composure became even more important in the knockout stage. Mendes converted two penalties in the 3-0 semi-final win over Zambia, a result that secured South Africa's place at the 2027 U20 AFCON.
In the final, South Africa and host Mozambique were level at 1-1 when Amajita won a penalty in the 58th minute. Mendes scored from the spot, and the goal held up as the winner. TimesLIVE's final report confirmed that it was his sixth of the tournament, while iDiski Times reported that he received the Golden Boot.
From the Kaizer Chiefs academy to Sweden and back
Mendes joined the Kaizer Chiefs academy in August 2022 and initially played for the club's Under-15 side. He progressed to the Under-17 team and the reserve structure, while also earning selection for South Africa at youth level. In 2023, Chiefs named him among five academy players selected for the national Under-15 team after the club won the inaugural SAFA Technical Development Scheme trophy.
His early promise led to an overseas opportunity. In August 2024, Kaizer Chiefs announced his move to Hammarby IF after a successful trial with the Swedish club. The announcement described him as a 16-year-old Johannesburg-born midfielder who had advanced rapidly through the Chiefs youth ranks.
Mendes later returned to Naturena. In September 2026, iDiski Times reported that he had rejoined Chiefs in 2025 and was playing in the DStv Diski Challenge. That route keeps him close to the senior side while giving him regular development-level football.
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Who Is Steven Mendes, South Africa's COSAFA Golden Boot Star?
Sep 28, 2026
Sep 28, 2026
7 min read
Published
Updated:
Steven Mendes is the Kaizer Chiefs development midfielder who delivered the decisive penalty in South Africa's 2-1 victory over Mozambique in the 2026 COSAFA Under-20 final on 27 September. The Johannesburg prospect finished the tournament with six goals and the Golden Boot as Amajita retained the regional title and secured a place at the 2027 Under-20 Africa Cup of Nations in Ghana.
Who is Steven Mendes? Steven Mendes is an 18-year-old South African midfielder in the Kaizer Chiefs development system and the national Under-20 team. Nicknamed “Stevie G” in local football coverage, he emerged as a leading prospect after scoring six goals, including the final's winner, to claim the 2026 COSAFA U20 Golden Boot.
The Golden Boot run that put Mendes in focus
Mendes entered the COSAFA tournament as one of Amajita's creative threats and quickly became its most productive scorer. He struck twice in the 2-0 group-stage win over Lesotho, with CAF recording his goals on either side of half-time. He then scored against Angola as South Africa took control of its group.
The midfielder's composure became even more important in the knockout stage. Mendes converted two penalties in the 3-0 semi-final win over Zambia, a result that secured South Africa's place at the 2027 U20 AFCON.
In the final, South Africa and host Mozambique were level at 1-1 when Amajita won a penalty in the 58th minute. Mendes scored from the spot, and the goal held up as the winner. TimesLIVE's final report confirmed that it was his sixth of the tournament, while iDiski Times reported that he received the Golden Boot.
From the Kaizer Chiefs academy to Sweden and back
Mendes joined the Kaizer Chiefs academy in August 2022 and initially played for the club's Under-15 side. He progressed to the Under-17 team and the reserve structure, while also earning selection for South Africa at youth level. In 2023, Chiefs named him among five academy players selected for the national Under-15 team after the club won the inaugural SAFA Technical Development Scheme trophy.
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His early promise led to an overseas opportunity. In August 2024, Kaizer Chiefs announced his move to Hammarby IF after a successful trial with the Swedish club. The announcement described him as a 16-year-old Johannesburg-born midfielder who had advanced rapidly through the Chiefs youth ranks.
Mendes later returned to Naturena. In September 2026, iDiski Times reported that he had rejoined Chiefs in 2025 and was playing in the DStv Diski Challenge. That route keeps him close to the senior side while giving him regular development-level football.
The journey places Mendes within a broader Chiefs academy tradition. XTRAfrica's profile of Puso Dithejane follows another South African talent who passed through the club's development system before establishing a senior career elsewhere.
Playing role and first-team ambition
Mendes is a midfielder rather than a conventional centre-forward. His COSAFA return showed an ability to arrive in scoring positions and take responsibility from the penalty spot. Five of his six goals came before the final, then his match-winning penalty added a high-pressure moment to the tournament record.
Kaizer Chiefs has continued to identify him as a youth-development player, and the club's semi-final preview highlighted his growing influence for South Africa U20. Mendes has also spoken publicly about using his international performances as a route toward the Chiefs first team.
That step is not automatic. The senior midfield picture can change quickly, as shown by XTRAfrica's report on Thabo Cele's departure from Kaizer Chiefs.
For Mendes, the immediate challenge is to turn one outstanding youth tournament into consistent club performances and future national-team selections.
Personal and family status
Mendes' public profile is centred on football. Reliable club and sports reports reviewed for this profile do not establish his relationship or parenthood status.
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Steven Mendes career timeline
Year | Event | Significance |
2022 | Joined the Kaizer Chiefs academy at Under-15 level | Began his development within one of South Africa's biggest clubs |
2023 | Selected for South Africa's Under-15 team | Earned early national recognition |
2024 | Moved from Chiefs to Hammarby IF in Sweden | Gained an overseas development opportunity at 16 |
2025 | Returned to Kaizer Chiefs | Re-entered the club's development and reserve pathway |
2026 | Scored six goals and won the COSAFA U20 Golden Boot | Helped Amajita win the title and qualify for the 2027 U20 AFCON |
What comes next for Steven Mendes?
The 2027 U20 AFCON is the next major international target. A strong showing there could raise Mendes' profile beyond Southern Africa, but his club progress will depend on performances in the Chiefs development structure and decisions by the senior coaching staff.
His COSAFA success gives him momentum, not a guaranteed promotion. Supporters can follow XTRAfrica's wider South African football coverage as the midfielder tries to convert youth-tournament success into a senior breakthrough.
Frequently asked questions about Steven Mendes
Who is Steven Mendes?
Steven Mendes is a South African midfielder who plays in the Kaizer Chiefs development system and represents the country's Under-20 national team, Amajita.
How old is Steven Mendes?
He was 18 when iDiski Times profiled him on 15 September 2026. An exact birth date has not been published in the official club material cited here.
Which club does Steven Mendes play for?
He is with Kaizer Chiefs and has played in the club's DStv Diski Challenge development team.
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What position does Steven Mendes play?
He is a midfielder. His goalscoring at the 2026 COSAFA U20 tournament showed that he can also make a decisive contribution in the final third.
Why is Steven Mendes called “Stevie G”?
“Stevie G” is a nickname used for him in South African football coverage. It echoes the well-known nickname of former England midfielder Steven Gerrard, but Mendes is building his own career.
How many goals did Steven Mendes score at COSAFA U20?
He scored six goals in the 2026 tournament and won the Golden Boot. His sixth was the match-winning penalty against Mozambique in the final.
Did Steven Mendes play for Hammarby?
Yes. Kaizer Chiefs announced in August 2024 that he was leaving its academy for Hammarby IF in Sweden after a successful trial. He returned to Chiefs in 2025.
What did Steven Mendes win in 2026?
He won the COSAFA U20 Championship with South Africa and received the tournament's Golden Boot as its top scorer.
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