Mduduzi Shabalala’s ex-coach at youth level, Sifiso Nxumalo, has revealed the ideal position for the talented Kaizer Chiefs youngster.
Nxumalo, a key figure in Shabalala’s early career, first spotted the young talent playing football in Soweto – White City in 2018. Impressed by his skills, Nxumalo brought Shabalala to his Lenasia Football Academy, securing an agreement with his parents.
Unfortunately, the academy, which was based in the Lenz suburb, south of Soweto, ceased operations in 2020, but its legacy lives on through players like Shabalala and Wandile Duba, who were also discovered by Nxumalo.
Shabalala’s journey continued at Chiefs, where he progressed through the youth ranks, eventually earning a promotion to the senior team in 2022. Under the guidance of then-head coach Arthur Zwane, he began to make regular appearances in the PSL.
This season, Shabalala has been a standout performer for Chiefs, contributing significantly to the team’s progress under new coach Nasreddine Nabi. With seven appearances across all competitions, he has already scored three goals and provided two assists.
NXUMALO SAYS SHABALALA IS TALENTED AS HE CAN PLAY ANYWHERE IN ATTACK
Nxumalo believes Shabalala’s versatility is one of his standout qualities, as he can effectively operate in various attacking positions. While he excels as an attacking midfielder, the presence of Gaston Sirino in that role has seen Shabalala deployed as a right winger this season.
However, the two players often interchange positions during matches, allowing Shabalala to drift into central areas where he can utilise his goal-scoring abilities. In fact, all three of his goals this season have been scored from central positions.
“When I first met young Mdu, he was around 13 to 14 years old in 2018, and he was playing anywhere in front. We tried to put him on the side, but he did well as a 10 [attacking midfielder],” Nxumalo told FARPost.
“He’s a natural attacker; he can play anywhere in attack depending on how the coach sets up his team. One thing is for sure: he will give his utmost best, even if it’s challenging for him.
“He’s most effective in the centre; he has a way of getting past defenders in small spaces and gaps. With the right support [teammates], Mdu will be something else, and one day, people will see the quality he possesses.
“He has fitted in nicely in the coach’s set-up [Nabi]; after a few matches in the season, Mdu has been scoring goals and getting some assists.”
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