Kaizer Chiefs head coach Fernando Da Cruz has revealed what he told midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala after he missed a penalty in the side’s 2-1 win over Siwelele FC in the Carling Knockout Cup at the Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday.
Siwelele had taken a lead earlier through Siyabonga Ndebele when Chiefs were awarded a penalty after Lebohang Maboe was brought in the box in the 36th minute of the game.
The 22-year-old stepped up but missed the target from the spot though Wandile Duba was able to convert his minutes later.
Shabalala was visibly frustrated after the miss and though his teammates wanted to encourage him to take the second one just before the break, he didn’t.
His coach told the media after the game that he told his player that missing penalties happens to even the best in the game even at higher level and he should keep his head high because he’s an important player to Chiefs.
“I said [to Mdu] missing a penalty can happen to all the players,” said Da Cruz.
“It has happened before to the best players in football in the best competitions.
“So, it’s normal that he’s disappointed but he missed a header, he must continue to work because for us, he’s a very important player and we need him.”