Chiefs starlet explains why overseas move would appeal

Shabalala, 19, is one of Chiefs’ rising stars who has begun to receive more frontline game-time, and all signs suggest he has a bright future ahead of him.

He is now looking forward to a potential first Soweto derby appearance this weekend against Orlando Pirates, and it will be quite a remarkable opportunity for such a young player.

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Notably, the teenager has already spent time in Spain with Villarreal, an experience earned after winning the U17 COSAFA Cup Player of the Tournament, while he also spent time on trial in Belgium with KVC Westerlo.

While Chiefs certainly would not want to bid farewell to Shabalala any time soon, he has spoken of the desire to work hard towards one day receiving an opportunity abroad.

“I learned a lot in Belgium and Spain, things are done in different ways, even when they play,” he commented earlier this week, as quoted by iDiski Times.”It’s done in different ways and I think we still have a lot to do as players in South Africa.

“We have to stay focused and stay grounded because they are far, far ahead of us. I think if I could go there, I could grow fast, my football could grow fast.”

Looking ahead to the Soweto derby, the youngster admitted he grew up supporting Pirates, a team that he could have joined if his career hadn’t taken a different direction.

“It’s true, I grew up supporting Pirates. But since joining Chiefs, I’ve changed to become a Chiefs supporter and I’ll die a Chiefs fan,” Shabalala said.

“I’ve influenced my mother, sisters, and young brother to support Chiefs. But my father is still refusing to jump ship. Even now, he’s saying that he’s going to beat me,” he added light-heartedly.

“I trialled at Pirates first but I then went back to my coach at the time and told him it was easy there and I wanted to challenge myself. “I then went to Chiefs, where I trialled for four months. And that’s what I wanted – a challenge. And that’s what I got as I was promoted to the reserve team.”

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SHABALALA HAS A BRIGHT FUTURE AT CHIEFS

The youngster also spoke of working with coach Arthur Zwane, who has shown faith in the former youth international.

“I was 18 when I joined Kaizer Chiefs. And he (Zwane) was the first coach to promote me to the reserves. So I know what he wants and I’ve adjusted well in the team,” Shabalala explained. “You can see what is happening in football. There are young players who are playing in the best leagues.”

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