Mduduzi Shabalala’s former coach Sifiso Nxumalo has revealed where the talented Kaizer Chiefs attacker likes to operate from on the pitch.
Nxumalo knows Shabalala so well, having snapped him from White City of Soweto in 2018, before he roped him into his Lenasia Academy, after which he joined Chiefs in 2020.
The youngster developed further with Amakhosi, who would promote him to the senior team under former coach Arthur Zwane in 2022, and he has since blossomed, becoming one of the bright spots in a struggling Chiefs team.
Nxumalo discovered Mdu at a young age
Shabalala has been used either on the wing or in an attacking midfield role just behind the main striker and it is that No.10 role that Nxumalo says he enjoys playing in the most.
“When I first met young Mdu, he was around 13 to 14 years old in 2018, and he was playing anywhere in front. We tried to put him on the side, but he did well as a 10 [attacking midfielder],” Nxumalo told FARPost.
“He’s a natural attacker; he can play anywhere in attack depending on how the coach sets up his team. One thing is for sure: he will give his utmost best, even if it’s challenging for him.
Where is Shabalala most effective at?
“He’s most effective in the centre; he has a way of getting past defenders in small spaces and gaps. With the right support [teammates], Mdu will be something else, and one day, people will see the quality he possesses.”
Shabalala has been an ever-present figure under coach Nasreddine Nabi, who has deployed him out wide with Gaston Sirino operating in the No,10 role, but the two interchange positions during the match on occasions.
That has yielded three goals and two assists for Shabalala and his youth coach believes more is yet to come.
“He has fitted in nicely in the coach’s set-up [Nabi]; after a few matches in the season, Mdu has been scoring goals and getting some assists,” added Nxumalo.
