Kaizer Chiefs reserves coach Vela Khumalo has tipped Mduduzi Shabalala to achieve big things with the Amakhosi first team.
The reserve team captain excelled for the DStv Diski Challenge team this past season.
He has already represented South Africa at junior level and was one of his team’s stars as Chiefs beat Stellenbosch in the final of the DStv Diski Shield 2-0 on Saturday, where Shabalala was on target.
Bigging up his captain, Khumalo said in the Sowetan: “Listen, Shabalala is a very special player who is always bringing something new into his game.
“He is one player who is always striving to do his best and improve. He goes all-out when he trains, he goes all-out when he plays and I think that makes him a special player.”
Khumalo added: “He knows that it is not all about talent, you have to work hard if you want to make it in football. He listens, he wants to learn and that will help him in the future.
“When I look at him play, I see a person who is dedicated and committed, that is why he is the captain of the team.”