Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala is targeting a return to top form as Amakhosi gear up for a pivotal clash against Magesi FC at the Moses Mabhida Stadium.
The Soweto giants host Magesi FC in Durban on Saturday, looking to climb the Betway Premiership standings. They currently sit fifth but have two games in hand on Sekhukhune United and AmaZulu FC in third and fourth, respectively. Victory could lift Amakhosi into third place, depending on Usuthu’s result against Polokwane City FC.
Shabalala offered a candid reflection on his recent performances, admitting he has yet to hit the heights expected of him, while underlining his determination to rediscover his best form.
Despite being a pillar for the Amakhosi over the past two years, Shabalala found himself sidelined for last month’s Soweto Derby—where Chiefs suffered a heavy 3-0 defeat—with Cedric Kaze citing ‘tactical reasons’ for the omission.
Statistically, it has been a lean season for the attacker. In 28 appearances across all competitions, Shabalala has managed only three goals and one assist—a tally many feel does not reflect his true potential on the pitch.
WHAT MDUDUZI SHABALALA SAID ABOUT HIS FORM
“I haven’t been at my best form, so I’m trying my best to be back, and hopefully, I hope to be back on the scoresheet in our next game,” Shabalala said.
His admission comes at a critical moment for the Soweto giants, who are seeking to stabilise their campaign after a series of inconsistent results. Chiefs managed to recover from a run of four successive defeats with a hard-fought victory against Durban City.
“I think it was a difficult game for us because we were coming from a defeat in our last game. We wanted to win and secure maximum points. And that’s what we did. And we’re looking forward to the next game,” he explained.
MDU SHABALALA: ‘WE WANT TO WIN ALL OF OUR GAMES’
Despite his personal struggles, the 22-year-old remains focused on the bigger picture, stressing the importance of grinding out results as the Glamour Boys aim to build momentum.
“Obviously, we want to win all of our games. We take it one game at a time, and we’re looking forward to each and every game. We take it as a cup final,” he said.
Shabalala also turned to the club’s supporters, urging them to rally behind the team during what he described as a difficult period, as both he and the squad look to turn the corner.
“We’re pleading with them to come in numbers and support the team because we are at a very difficult moment now. And so, we need everyone to be together and stand with us so that we can do well as a team.”
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