Chaffey Athletics Welcomes Mateu Vilakazi to Men's Basketball

Chaffey College Athletics has announced the hiring of Mateu Vilakazi as the new head coach of Men's Basketball.

After leading the program to a playoff appearance in his first season as interim head coach, Mateu Vilakazi had the interim tag removed and was officially named the 11th Head Coach of Chaffey College Men’s Basketball. A respected leader and culture-builder, Coach Vilakazi has quickly established a program centered around accountability, toughness, and player development while helping student-athletes advance to the next level both academically and athletically.

Since joining the program as First Assistant Coach in 2023, Coach Vilakazi helped lead the Panthers to a 50-10 record over two seasons, highlighted by a Sweet 16 appearance during the 2025-26 season. During that span, 13 student-athletes earned scholarships to four-year universities, including Uriyah Rojas, who signed with the University of Wyoming at the Division I level, Nate Simon at California State University San Marcos (DII), Mourad Toure at Dominican University (DII), and Brody Davis at the University of Hawaii at Hilo (DII).

Coach Vilakazi’s connection to Chaffey Basketball runs deep, as he was a member of the 2016 State Final Four team. Prior to his collegiate playing career, he starred locally at Rancho Cucamonga High School, where he earned All-Baseline League honors twice. Following two successful seasons at Chaffey College, Vilakazi attended the University of Southern California on an academic scholarship and graduated with a degree in economics. He later earned his master's degree in public administration from the University of Miami, reflecting the same commitment to education and personal growth that he now instills in his student-athletes.

Coach Vilakazi guided the team through a critical transition period with professionalism, discipline, and a player-first approach that translated into success both on and off the court. Under his leadership, the Panthers have continued to build a reputation for toughness, unselfish play, and high character. Motivated to elevate the program to new heights, Coach Vilakazi is focused on helping Chaffey College pursue its first-ever state championship. He brings a deep passion for the game, a diverse skill set, and valuable experience to the Panther Basketball program as the team continues its tradition of success.