The 32-year-old midfielder has featured in nine of Amakhosi's 11 matches this season but has yet to score, registering only one assist. His limited impact has raised concerns, with former coach David Vilakazi suggesting the Soweto giants are not playing to Mmodi's strengths.
Mmodi has largely been deployed as a left winger since his arrival at Naturena in July 2023 from Golden Arrows.
However, Vilakazi, who coached him at Free State Stars' feeder team, believes he would be more effective as a central attacking midfielder - a number 10.
"As a winger, he's not delivering what they need. He doesn't cross well with his left foot," Vilakazi told KickOff.
"At the top level, goals often come from crosses, but maybe that's not the approach Chiefs are using."
Vilakazi recalled Mmodi's success at Arrows, where he thrived in a central role by scoring, assisting, and breaking defensive lines.
He feels Mmodi's creativity and goal threat would be better utilized behind the striker, rather than isolated on the flank.
"He can beat players on the left, but he can't deliver the final ball from there. Chiefs seem to want him to cut inside, but I'm unsure what return they'll get from that," Vilakazi added.
"I've rarely seen him deliver a proper cross with his left foot."
While acknowledging he doesn't work with Mmodi daily, Vilakazi believes a tactical shift could yield better results.
"Play him as a 10, and you'll see the best of him," he concluded.
Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Joseph Malongoane has urged Amakhosi supporters to remain patient with co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze, arguing that the pair needs time to understand the unique demands of South African football.
Kaizer Chiefs winger Asanele Velebayi says his early months at the club have been a steady, game-by-game learning process as he finds his feet in the top flight.
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has admitted his side continues to struggle in front of goal but insists the team is working hard to solve the problem ahead of Sunday’s clash with TS Galaxy in Mbombela.
Kaizer Chiefs played to a goalless draw against bottom-of-the-table Chippa United in their penultimate Betway Premiership fixture ahead of the AFCON 2025 break.
