kaizer chiefs mduduzi shabalala

Mduduzi Shabalala is one of the finest prospects to come out of Naturena in some time. Image: @kaizerchiefs / Twitter.

Here’s why Keagan Dolly loves Kaizer Chiefs prodigy Mduduzi Shabalala so much

Keagan Dolly loves Kaizer Chiefs starlet Mduduzi Shabalala. Here he speaks about the importance of mentorship and why he’s so special.

kaizer chiefs mduduzi shabalala

Mduduzi Shabalala is one of the finest prospects to come out of Naturena in some time. Image: @kaizerchiefs / Twitter.

Keagan Dolly relishes his senior role at senior Kaizer Chiefs and welcomes the responsibility of guiding Amakhosi’s next generation. Mduduzi Shabalala is at the forefront of it.

The ex-Montpellier man also hasn’t ruled out a title tile for the Glamour Boys just yet.

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Chiefs aim to keep momentum after Arrows win

Amakhosi host Sekhukhune at FNB Stadium on Saturday at 17:30. They could be adrift of league leaders Sundowns by as much as 13 points, depeding on how the Brazilians fare against Richards Bay on Friday night. Chiefs claimed an impressive 2-0 win away to Golden Arrows in their first match back after the World Cup break. A couple of youngsters were handed opportunities which they took with both hands.

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Amakhosi youth answers the call

Highly-rated central midfielder Samkelo Zwane, who turned 21 on Wednesday, started in the engine room and impressed. It’s too early to say that he’s Njabulo Blom’s direct replacement but the early signs are good. Mduduzi Shabalala made an impressive 25-minute cameo off the bench for his second appearance of the campaign. He scored on his first, against Maritzburg United on the second day of the season.

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Keagan Dolly Kaizer Chiefs Mduduzi Shabalala
Keagan Dolly is a big fan of Mdu Shabalala. Image: @kaizerchiefs / twitter

Dolly happy to help the youth

Mdu Shabalala has trialled in Belgium and Dolly, who has European experience of his own after a stint in Ligue 1 with Marseille, knows the importance of senior players in helping youngsters deal with the pressure of first team football.

Kaizer Chiefs wonderkid: Profiling Mdu Shabalala


“It is very important for us as senior players to try and help them on and off the field,” said Dolly at a media conference at the Chiefs Village in Naturena.

“For us it is mainly to lead by example and … to talk to them when we have a chance. I think the boys who are getting a chance now are very humble, they have been part of the academy here and know what it takes to be part of the team.

On Shabalala, Dolly added: “He has a lot of confidence, you can see when he is on the ball he is not afraid to play and loves the game. He is taking risks whenever he gets the opportunity. You could see from how he went on trial overseas, that shows what he wants to achieve.”


Chiefs face Sekhukhune on Saturday night and young Mdu Shabalala is expected to feature in the matchday squad.

ICYMI: Kaizer Chiefs and all 12 trialists at Naturena so far

Meanwhile, you can get more insights, analysis and love for the beautiful game from James Freemantle

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