Why Mduduzi Shabalala and Co. are still part of Chiefs’ Diski Challenge team

Kaizer Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge coach Vela Khumalo has explained why senior team players such as Mduduzi Shabalala featured for the development side over the weekend. 

The 2023/24 PSL Diski Challenge season made a return this past weekend with a festival at Solomon Mahlangu Stadium in Mpumalanga. 

Khumalo’s troops played to a 1-1 draw against Orlando Pirates in the Diski Challenge Soweto giants.

Shabalala, who has featured regularly for the first team since last season, as well as Wandile Duba and Aden McCarthy, played the full 90 minutes. 

VELA KHUMALO ON WHY MDUDUZI SHABALALA FEATURED FOR HIS SIDE 

“With regard to Mduduzi [Shabalala], Duba and Aiden [McCarthy], we wanted to give them game time,” explained Khumalo. 

“It’s a little bit hectic on that side [senior team]. We want to get results from the first team, so they don’t get that game time. So we thought they still belong here. They are still young and can still do it. So why not?

“We brought them in because we wanted to give them the full game which they got, and I am happy because it has been long since they played in a competitive game. So for them to do this, it’s okay,” he said. 

KAIZER CHIEFS TO FINALLY LIFT THE DDC TITLE?

Khumalo also believes the side has what it takes to challenge for the development league title this season. 

“To be honest with you, it is open, and we want to give it our best shot. If we can keep this team, I have not seen much of other teams, but I think we can go for the number one spot.

“It’s a work in progress for this progression, We said it’s a cycle of five years, and it has been proven by SuperSport. They had players until they won the league, so we have started already, and we are in our third season now.

“But it looks very open, and we want to give it our best shot and see if we can not win it,” added the Amakhosi Diski coach.

RELATED STORY: Top five DStv Diski Challenge youngsters to watchout for this season