Mduduzi Shabalala will be a key operator for Kaizer Chiefs against Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby. He has a secret though.
Mduduzi Shabalala was once a Buccaneer
21-year-old Kaizer Chiefs attacker Mduduzi Shabalala revealed he grew up supporting Orlando Pirates but says now he will “die a Chiefs fan”. The young attacker has become a key operator Chiefs in the 2024-2025 campaign, appearing in all of their Betway Premiership clashes and in a new number 10 role. He’s got four goals and an assist so far in the league this term.
‘Mdu’, as he is affectionately known, worshipped Thembinkosi Lorch when growing up in an all-Pirates household. With Lorch having moved on to Sundowns, there’s space in the fixture for another star to make a name for himself in South Africa’s premier club fixture.
Shabalala recalls the first Soweto Derby he attended in “about 2019 or 2020 where Chiefs were leading 1-0 and Lorch equalised after a pass from Ben Motshwari”.
2024-2025 is a breakout season for this Kaizer Chiefs star
Often plagued by inconsistency or failure to make the starting XI in 2023-2024, a normal issue for one so young, Mdu Shabalala is now a mainstay in the Amakhosi side. Four goals and an assist from 12 matches make him one of their most productive players in the Betway Premiership. He’s more than just output though; Mdu is the team’s creative heartbeat and number 10.
Minnows Free Agents await in the Nedbank Cup
Free Agents FC midfielder Thulani Dhladhla isn’t over-awed by the prospect of a meeting with Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs. His side plays in the Gauteng ABC Motsepe League. They are massive underdogs, but they’re also aware that Chiefs lost to lowly Milford in this competition last season. Chiefs host Free Agents on Sunday 26 January at 18:00.
There are no guarantees in football, as some of Amakhosi’s fans have reminded us:
“My team Chiefs is already out, y’all know we struggled over the years ngalama-small teams.”
“Starting Jan 26 I want to see new players donning KCFC jerseys on the field at FNB. Tired of being a laughing stock.”
Will Mduduzi Shabalala decorate this wonderful occasion against Pirates?
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