Mduduzi Shabalala has been backed by former Kaizer Chiefs attacker Mandla Masango to become more clinical in front of goal and eventually establish himself as one of Bafana Bafana’s leading marksmen.
Shabalala has come under heavy scrutiny in recent weeks after missing clear-cut chances for Amakhosi, particularly in situations where it appeared easier to score than to miss.
The 22-year-old’s criticism reached fever pitch during the Nedbank Cup last-32 clash against Stellenbosch, where he squandered several opportunities in the first half. Chiefs went on to lose 2–1 and were knocked out of the competition.
While some disgruntled Chiefs supporters have criticised his wastefulness in front of goal, several former Amakhosi players – including club legends Siphiwe Tshabalala and Doctor Khumalo – have publicly thrown their support behind him.
Centurion Reached But Goals Under Scrutiny
Shabalala recently became an Amakhosi centurion, reaching 100 appearances for the club following his promotion to the senior team.
While that milestone underlines his importance to the squad, his return in front of goal has been underwhelming. He has scored 11 goals and registered six assists in 104 appearances for the club.
Masango, who also wore the famous black and gold jersey during his playing days, believes the youngster’s movement and positioning will eventually translate into goals.
“I think he needs to be supported, he needs to be encouraged, because he’s one for the future,” Masango told the media at a club sponsorship event in Johannesburg this week.
“One day he’ll be a top goalscorer, and I like the fact that he gets into good positions.
“There are rare players, especially playing in his position, who get opportunities in different types of positions inside the box.
“A lot of number 10s operate away from the box, but his box entries are very impressive. He will get it right, and one day we’ll sit here and tell a different story.”
Bafana Bafana Ambitions Still Alive
Despite questions over his finishing, Shabalala remains on the radar of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos. He was on standby during the recent AFCON tournament in Morocco, where South Africa exited at the last-16 stage.
With Bafana set to compete in the FIFA World Cup in June, Shabalala will be eager to sharpen his finishing and strengthen his case for inclusion in the final squad for the global showpiece, which will be co-hosted by the United States, Canada, and Mexico.
“Bullet,” as Masango was affectionately known during his playing days, again expressed confidence in Shabalala’s long-term prospects.
“One day he’ll have the opportunity to lead Bafana Bafana, not only Kaizer Chiefs. So we really need to be behind him and always encourage him whenever we see him,” Masango said.
Big Stage Awaits Against Zamalek
With Chiefs set to face Zamalek in their final CAF Confederation Cup group-stage match at Al Salam Stadium in Cairo on Saturday – needing at least a draw to progress to the knockout stage – there would be no better time for Shabalala to rediscover his scoring touch
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