George Lebese reveals missing ingredient holding Mdu Shabalala back at Chiefs
Former Kaizer Chiefs left-winger George Lebese has pinpointed the missing ingredient hindering Mduduzi Shabalala’s progress at the Soweto giants.
Shabalala has been a standout performer for The Glamour Boys in the current 2024/25 PSL season, contributing to the club’s highest number of goals.
He is among the young players expected to shine at Chiefs, including Mfundo Vilalazi, Wandile Duba, and Samkelo Zwane, under coach Nasreddine Nabi, who has shown a clear belief in youth.
The 20-year-old attacking midfielder – Shabalala has scored three goals and provided two assists in nine appearances across all competitions.
Tipped for a bright future in SA football, Shabalala has showcased glimpses of his immense talent. However, Lebese believes the weight of expectations is proving a burden.
Lebese, who enjoyed a successful nine-year spell at Naturena, emphasised the importance of veteran guidance, drawing a comparison to his own experiences as a young player at Amakhosi.
GEORGE LEBESE SAYS MDU SHABALALA IS OVERBURDENED AT CHIEFS
“I like Shabalala. One of the few players I spoke with,” said Lebese on the Izinja zeGame Podcast in an interview with another ex-Chiefs star, Josta Dladla.
“But the difference now at Chiefs is we had you guys [Dladla] with experience. You come in there. I would be on the bench for you, and you would tell me: ‘Look for you to improve, you must bench me’. They [current Chiefs youngsters] don’t have that.
“It is all youngsters, and the weight is too much for him [Mdu Shabalala] alone to [carry the team]. We expect him to win the games, and there’s where I feel [experience is needed].”
In addition, the ex-Mamelodi Sundowns attacker added that the prolonged trophy drought at Amakhosi further complicates the situation for young players. He says the pressure-cooker environment can hinder the young players’ growth.
Lebese was part of the last Chiefs team to win a trophy, claiming the league title in the 2014/15 season.
A two-time league champion with Chiefs, Lebese made over 170 appearances for the club. In those games, he netted 25 goals and provided 22 assists.
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