Former Kaizer Chiefs defender Tefu Mashamaite has identified a crucial area where Mduduzi Shabalala must sharpen his game in order to reach Relebohile Mofokeng’s level.
Mdu Shabalala has been a focal point of both praise and scrutiny at Naturena this season. While his work rate and technical ability are undisputed, his output in front of goal has often left fans frustrated.
In the current campaign, Shabalala has featured in 29 games across all competitions, contributing three goals and one assist.
Since his promotion to the senior team in June 2022—following a stellar stint in the DStv Diski Challenge—the 22-year-old has struggled to convert his potential into consistent goal involvement. Shabalala has made 106 appearances for the Glamour Boys, totalling 11 goals and six assists.
On the other hand, Mofokeng has become the heartbeat of the Orlando Pirates’ attack. The 21-year-old, nicknamed ‘President Yama2000’, has enjoyed a meteoric rise, supported by his first professional hat-trick in the 6-0 demolition of TS Galaxy in their league match on Sunday, 22 March 2026.
In the current campaign, ‘Rele’ has featured in 28 matches across all competitions, scoring eight goals and contributing six assists for the Buccaneers.
As of March 2026, Mofokeng’s trophy cabinet is already overflowing. He boasts two consecutive Betway Premiership Young Player of the Season awards [2023/24, 2024/25] and the 2024/25 MTN8 Last Man Standing title. In addition, he won the 2024/25 Nedbank Cup Most Promising Player of the Tournament accolade.
And due to his impressive displays, Rele Mofokeng was also named Betway Premiership Player of the Month for January/February 2026. His overall career stats reflect his efficiency: 27 goals and 26 assists in 117 matches since his promotion to the Pirates senior team in July 2023.
TEFU MASHAMAITE ON WHAT MDU SHABALALA HAS TO WORK ON
Despite the scrutiny surrounding Mduduzi Shabalala’s recent struggles in front of goal, Tefu Mashamaite—who is now carving out a coaching career—remains impressed by the Amakhosi youth product’s tactical intelligence and overall contribution on the pitch.
Mashamaite, a man who knows the weight of donning the Glamour Boys’ jersey well, suggests that Shabalala’s overall game is already comparable to Pirates’ midfield sensation, Mofokeng. However, the former Bafana Bafana defender notes that clinical finishing is the only thing separating the two players at this stage.
As Chiefs continue to try to find their momentum under the current technical team, Mashamaite insists that Shabalala remains a cornerstone of the Chiefs project if he can bridge the gap between “creating” and “converting,” his chances.
“I know he is someone who has received a lot of criticism, especially for missing goal-scoring opportunities. However, as a coach, I am very happy with his progress because I look at Shabba individually and the kind of moments he creates, whether it is a movement to try to receive the ball or a movement to draw the opponent away so that those around him can receive the ball,” Mashamaite told SoccerBeat.
“He is very well equipped to get into the final third. The only thing I feel he needs to work on is his finishing. That is the only area he needs to improve. Otherwise, I believe he can reach the level of ‘Rele.’ He can easily reach that level if he focuses on his finishing right now.”
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