Kaizer Chiefs coach stands firm behind 21-year-old starlet
Kaizer Chiefs assistant coach Cedric Kaze has come out strongly in support of Mduduzi Shabalala, the 21-year-old midfielder facing increasing scrutiny over his recent performances. Once seen as the rising star of the squad, Shabalala now finds himself under a harsh spotlight as the team prepares for the upcoming Nedbank Cup final.
Shabalala kicked off the season on fire, netting four goals and providing an assist in just 10 league games. His early form positioned him as a crucial piece in the Chiefs' puzzle. But the momentum has since cooled. Over the past 16 matches, Shabalala hasn't directly contributed to a goal, a stat that has stirred frustration among fans and critics alike.
Adding fuel to the fire, many blamed him for his role in one of the goals conceded during Chiefs' 2-1 defeat in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium.
Despite the backlash, Kaze refuses to scapegoat the young talent.
'Concerns about Mdu and the youngsters we have, I don't believe or think, we lost the games because of Mdu or any other player, but we didn't do enough to win the game, all of us, from those who started and those who came off the bench,' said Kaze.
Kaze emphasized the importance of backing young players during challenging phases. He pointed out Shabalala's early-season impact and his ongoing potential.
'We analysed what we did good and what we didn't do so good this week and we know for example how important Shabalala has been this season, especially in the beginning of the season, how instrumental he was and good he is,' he explained.
'We believe in difficult moments we need to be there for young players and they'll learn from what happens on the field going forward.'
Since making his senior debut in May 2022, Shabalala has already featured in 78 matches for the Chiefs, tallying eight goals and five assists. At just 21, he's shouldering expectations that would typically rest on more seasoned players.
In a more experienced squad with a well-established winning culture, Shabalala might have had the space to grow. Instead, he's being asked to lead—while navigating the pressures of youth and performance at one of South Africa's most demanding clubs.
With the Nedbank Cup final looming, all eyes will remain on Shabalala—not just to deliver, but to prove that he can rise above the noise and become the game-changer the Chiefs still believe he is.
Stay tuned with The South African as Kaizer Chiefs coach stands firm behind 21-year-old starlet.
Can Shabalala turn things around in the Nedbank Cup final?
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