Kaze Backs Shabalala Amid Resurgence In Form
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has addressed the recent criticism aimed at Mduduzi Shabalala, detailing the club’s efforts to guide the youngster through a difficult patch.
The 22-year-old playmaker has endured a challenging start to 2026, struggling with clinical finishing and missing several high-profile one-on-one opportunities. This dip in form sparked frustration among the Amakhosi faithful, leading to vocal criticism on social media.
Responding on the Pitch
Despite the external pressure, the academy graduate has shown remarkable resilience. Shabalala recently snapped his goal drought in the victory over Orbit College and followed that up with a standout performance on Sunday, providing the assist for Flavio Da Silva’s goal against TS Galaxy.
With four goals and two assists in 21 league appearances this season, the youngster is beginning to show the consistency required at the highest level.
Mental Fortitude and Consistency
Coach Kaze praised Shabalala’s talent while emphasizing the mental strength required to play for a club of Chiefs’ stature.
“Shabalala is a player with a very big potential. Sometimes he indeed felt disappointed with his performances,” he said.
“There were also harsh criticisms that came to him, but we always tell him that’s part of being a football player, and the biggest thing is to have a very strong mentality, keep working hard, keep improving every day.
“I am happy that he is turning out to be good, but now we are looking for more consistency in his games.”
Kaze added that while he is pleased with the recent turnaround, the coaching staff is now demanding sustained excellence.
“To keep this momentum, we have to keep pressure on everyone at training every day and also recover well,” he added.
“This is a message about consistency at training, and we can’t allow ourselves to relax. We need to get better every day, we need to work at every training session, and that is the only thing that will keep us in a good space.”
Amakhosi now shift their focus to Wednesday’s encounter against Magesi at the Peter Mokaba Stadium. Shabalala will be looking to maintain his influential form as Chiefs aim to extend their current winning streak.
