Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Tsepo Masilela has explained why Mduduzi Shabalala remains an important player for Amakhosi, even as questions continue to be raised about his missed chances in front of goal.
Shabalala remains one of Chiefs’ most debated players this season. The chances are there, the positions are right, but the goals have not followed in the numbers many expect. For some, that tells the whole story. But Masilela doesn’t agree.
The 22-year-old Betway Premiership attacking midfielder continues to find space where most players can’t. His timing of runs, especially in behind defences, end with one-on-ones with goalkeepers only for his final touch to let him down.
According to Masilela, three goals from 25 appearances is low, but it doesn’t fully consider the problems he causes defenders week after week.
TSEPO MASILELA: I AM FOR SHABBA
“For me, Shabba is not a problem at all,” Masilela said on Soccer Beat. “When you look at the number 10 or attacking midfielder role, you find different types of players.
“Shabba likes to play advanced, he likes to break the line and get behind the defenders. So he can get to the end of things.
“Unfortunately, he is just missing that goal. Once he can convert the chances, playing in that position, the chances he get, if he can convert them, we will be singing a different tune about Shabba.
‘I like the fact that he does not like to drop too deep, to get combine and play out possession football with the six and eight. He looks at getting behind the defence, he wants to stretch the defence of the opposition.
“I just feel that he is not a problem at all. It just missing that goal, it will change the perception. But for me, I like Shabba, I am for Shabba,” Masilela concluded.
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