Kaizer Chiefs talent Mduduzi Shabalala needs patience and support, according to club legend Itumeleng Khune who says his situation reminds him of Kingston Nkhatha.
Shabalala, 22, is widely considered as one of the most talented players to emerge from the club’s development in recent years but has endured a love-hate relationship with sections of supporters of late.
His potential has seen him become a mainstay in the Chiefs squad and make his senior international debut for South Africa, but there’s been criticism that his influence and goal contributions has not reflected in his ability he has and game time received.
However, some of the critics has slowly turned into personal abuse on his own social media accounts and several teammates and industry figures have come out in support of Shabalala, condemning the hate speech, which Khune noted Nkhatha was subjected to inside stadiums, where he was subjected to jeers in several occasions by Chiefs supporters.
Despite that, he won two league titles with the club, playing an integral role in the success under then head coach Stuart Baxter, as a tireless number nine who did the dirty work for a talented Amakhosi squad.
“They need to continue being positive and rallying behind the players, because there is no player that wants to go on the field to make mistakes or even cost the team, but Mdu Shabalala has done tremendously well for himself and the club,” Khune said.
“He’s that one player who’s been knocking on the door of Bafana Bafana. And the supporters need to just keep being patient with him, what I like about him, he doesn’t shy away, he tries his best in every game he plays.
“He reminds me of Kingston Nkatha’s situation, where as a captain I had to intervene and calm the fans down – so we need that kind of leadership in today’s generation – they need to come together as players and fight for each other.
“Mdu is making good runs, creating chances, he finds himself in good scoring positions, so he mustn’t drop the ball, he must continue giving his all for the club because he’s been doing very well.”
Shabalala has made 102 appearances for Chiefs since making his professional debut, scoring 11 goals, with six assists across all competitions.
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