Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mandla Masango has expressed his admiration for Mduduzi Shabalala and highlighted the aspect of his game that has been particularly impressive. Shabalala has enjoyed some game time this season under former coach Nasreddine Nabi and current co-coaches Khalil Ben Youssef and Cedric Kaze.
The 21-year-old has made 19 appearances in all competitions so far, with three goals and one assist. His ingenuity did not go unnoticed, as Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos gave him a cameo against Rwanda in the final 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifier.
He is also named as one of the standby players for Bafana’s 2025 AFCON squad.
WHY MASANGO HAS BEEN IMPRESSED WITH MDUDUZI SHABALALA
Masango says Shabalala has shown hunger and determination this season, taking more responsibility in attack.
“I have been really impressed with Mdu this season, he’s taken a lot of responsibility in the team,” Masango told FARPost.
“As much as he is a young player, he shows hunger and dedication every time he plays. He’s also a forward player, and I like players who take responsibility going forward rather than playing it safe.
“Mdu is one of those players who is not scared to take risks. Recently, he has started to set goals, which, in football as an attacking midfielder, is more about scoring. It’s about assists. In that position, stats count a lot,” he added.
Masango says the current Chiefs DStv Diski Challenge [DDC] coaches, Vela Khumalo and Dillon Sheppard, should also be praised for developing young players such as Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi.
“So I think he is doing very well. He and Mfundo [Vilakazi] are coming up nicely. Sometimes we neglect giving the development coaches their flowers because they have moulded these players. When they come to the first team, they are just adding there and there, but the talent is there, and I am happy that he’s in the list.”
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