Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi hailed the impact of 20-year-old Mduduzi Shabalala after the youngster’s contribution in their 1-0 win over Chippa United.
Shabalala’s first-half strike proved the difference on Sunday, earning Chiefs a crucial three points and underlining the midfielder’s potential as a rising star in South African football.
His performance drew praise from Nabi, who is typically cautious about singling out individual players.
“I prefer not to speak about individual players for the team spirit and mindset, but Shabalala has been good,” Nabi told the media, with assistant coach Cedric Kaze providing translation.
Nabi highlighted the unique challenges faced by a young talent representing a club of Chiefs’ stature, acknowledging the inconsistency that can come with such pressure. “He is not consistent, but we feel that he carries a lot of responsibility on his shoulders for a team as big as Kaizer Chiefs, and that puts a lot of pressure on him.
“That’s why sometimes he is good, and sometimes he is very good,” Nabi explained.
Despite these challenges, Nabi remains optimistic about Shabalala’s future, praising his ability to meet the demands of top-flight football at such a young age. “He is still very young, and we want to congratulate him because he has been at a consistent level,” the coach added.
“Even the other youngsters should follow his example.”
Shabalala’s performance not only secured victory for Chiefs but also served as a beacon for other young players at the club, illustrating the importance of seizing opportunities on the big stage.