Former Kaizer Chiefs forward Junior Khanye is surprised that Mduduzi Shabalala still has not broken into the Bafana Bafana squad yet despite playing in the PSL for over three years.
Shabalala is among young players who have been impressive at Chiefs since being integrated into the senior team in the 2021-22 season but is yet to earn a national team call-up.
By contrast, Orlando Pirates youngster Relebohile Mofokeng has already turned out for Bafana Bafana despite this being his second season in the PSL and Khanya is concerned that Shabalala is being left behind.
Speaking to iDiski Times, Khanye lauded the massive talent Shabalala possesses, pointing to his goal against Chippa United last weekend as testament to what he can do, after he scored brilliantly having weaved his way past three players before firing home.
Shabalala is talented but….
“This is the thing I want to see from Mdu. The boy changed the game. Individual brilliance, the boy did very well,” said Khanye.
“Took on people and played according to his strength. I’m not too sure if one-v-one if he’s good, but I know that he’s explosive, technically good as well and has skill if he can use it this way.
“Individual brilliance from him because he took the ball from the side, finished three players. He started the move and finished it.
“But for me, Mdu, I question the person who developed him, I’m not too sure who he is. Because this is Mdu’s fourth season. The talent is there, you can see it.
Why is Khanye concerned over Mdu?
“Mdu, to be honest, when he looks at Mofokeng, he should be saying I should also be in the national team, ‘I’m supposed to be there’.
“Because it’s the second season for Mofokeng. Second season or first he got the call-up [Bafana Bafana]. Mdu with the talent he has must tell himself that he should be there as well. He should be consistent as well.”
The 20-year-old has so far bagged four goals and added two assists in 12 games for Chiefs across all competitions having become one of the key men for coach Nasreddine Nabi.
