Mdu Shabalala fuels derby fire: ‘Pirates youngsters are better than Chiefs’
Kaizer Chiefs star Mduduzi Shabalala has ignited the flames ahead of the highly anticipated derby clash, asserting that Orlando Pirates’ youth talent surpasses that of Amakhosi.
Chiefs and Pirates will fight for three points and bragging rights in what promises to be a mouth-watering Betway Premiership clash at a sold-out FNB Stadium in Soweto on Saturday, 1st February 2025.
In this first derby of the 2024/25 season, Pirates have been tipped as favourites to collect maximum points after having an impressive start to the campaign. The Buccaneers are hot on Mamelodi Sundowns’ heels in the chase for the league title. Pirates are sitting second on the log standings with 27 points in 11 matches played.
On the other hand, Sundowns have collected 33 points in 12 matches – six points ahead of The Buccaneers.
Meanwhile, Chiefs have had a slow start to life under the guidance of Nasreddine Nabi, who took over the coaching role in July 2024.
The Glamour Boys are positioned fifth on the league table after winning six matches, drawing three while losing five times in 14 games.
KAIZER CHIEFS AND ORLANDO PIRATES HAVE YOUNGSTERS PLAYING BIG ROLES IN IN THEIR RESPECTIVE FIRST TEAMS
In the current season, Chiefs and Pirates have young players from their development structures playing a big role in their respective first teams.
The Jose Riveiro-coached team – Bucs has Relebohile Mofokeng, Mohau Nkota, and Thabiso Sesane playing key roles, while Chiefs have Mduduzi Shabalala, Mfundo Vilakazi, and Wandile Duba.
Shabalala has declared that the Pirates’ young players are better, and it’s evident in their performances.
“We are not on the level of Pirates youngsters yet. I think the youngsters playing at Pirates are doing way better than us, not only here in South Africa but in the African continent,” Shabalala said.
“You could see how they play. I think they gained a lot of experience at an early age because you see each and every game, and they are growing. I think it’s for us to learn from them and not be jealous because our time is coming.
We just need to keep our heads up and work with the technical team at the club. I think we’ll reach our potential and be the best.”
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