Mdu Reflects On 100 Chiefs Apps: “The Job Is Not Done”
Kaizer Chiefs attacker Mdu Shabalala has reflected on reaching a century of appearances for the Soweto giants, saying he has learned a great deal along the way but believes the job is far from finished.
Shabalala marked the milestone as Chiefs secured a 1–0 victory over ZESCO United in a CAF Confederation Cup Group D match at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday.
The occasion was made even sweeter when Glody Lilepo scored the only goal of the match, as Chiefs completed back-to-back wins over the Zambian side.
Shabalala admitted the club has endured difficult periods in recent years and said the team is determined to change that, especially with three competitions still in play and set to be decided over the next five months.
However, Chiefs face a demanding run of fixtures and could exit two cup competitions within their next three matches. They begin with a Nedbank Cup first-round clash against Stellenbosch at DHL Stadium on Wednesday, followed by two crucial CAF Confederation Cup encounters against Egyptian sides Al Masry and Zamalek.
“I’ve learned the importance of consistency and I’ve learned so much,” said Shabalala, who won the Betway Premiership Goal of the Month last season for his strike against Chippa United at Moses Mabhida Stadium.
“I’m hoping to learn even more and become a better person. Having said that, I still feel I can give more to the team. Obviously, we haven’t been doing very well in the past few years, but I’m happy to be here.”
The 22-year-old made his Kaizer Chiefs debut under then-head coach Arthur Zwane against Moroka Swallows on 21 May 2022, in a 2–2 draw in Soweto. At the time, he was just 18 years, four months and one day old.
His first goal for the club came on 9 August 2022 against Maritzburg United in a 3–0 victory, when he was 18 years, six months and 20 days old.
In his 100 appearances for Chiefs, Shabalala has scored 11 goals and provided six assists.
“Once again, I just want to take this opportunity to thank the management for the trust they’ve shown in me, as well as the coaches,” he added.
