Today, Mduduzi Shabalala celebrates a milestone birthday. Time flies when you’re becoming a potential Kaizer Chiefs legend.
Mdu Shabalala is becoming a key Kaizer Chiefs operator
News of a new contract for Mduduzi Shabalala is a boost for the player and the club and just reward for the hard work he’s put into his craft. Mdu is now the team’s creative heartbeat. After moments of inconsistency in 2023-2024, he’s making this season his own with a string of impressive and authoritative performances as the creative hub and number 10 playmaker. He’s got four goals and an assist from 13 appearances. Crazy to think he’s 21 old today.
Dirty Little Pirates secret
Shabalala revealed he grew up supporting Orlando Pirates but says now he will “die a Chiefs fan”.
The Amakhosi youth development talent is already a part of the furniture at the club. ‘Mdu’, as he is affectionately known, worshipped Thembinkosi Lorch when growing up in an all-Pirates household.
Duba is also starring in attack for the Glamour Boys
Not only is a new contract good news for Duba on a financial level, but it’s also a further vote of confidence in his abilities at this level. The talented attacker is now a first-team regular and part of the furniture at the club, trusted in big games and he’s delivering on that trust. Born in 2004, Duba already has four goals and an assist in 12 Betway Prem appearances this term. His progress is on a steep upward curve, and his versatility (can be deployed on the right-hand side or through the middle) is a huge plus for manager Nasreddine Nabi.
Dream Kaizer Chiefs XI with new signings
This hypothetical XI would see regular midfield hardman Thabo Cele shifted out to right back to accommodate Luke Le Roux and Feisal Salum in a midfield pivot. Wandile Duba, reportedly on the verge of signing a new deal, could form a fruitful creative relationship alongside fellow academy talent and fan favourite Mduduzi Shabalala. Oswin Appollis is the man all Chiefs fans want; the Polokwane and Bafana winger would be their dream signing. Prolific Congolese marksman Fiston Mayele is no stranger to finding the back of the net. Ramiro Vaca is a midfield maestro capable of supplying chances for a number 9.
Would you get Mdu’s name on the back of your Chiefs jersey? Send us your wishes!
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