You would have expected Kaizer Chiefs starlet Mduduzi Shabalala to be lost like a deer in the headlights. Thrust into the limelight in the Soweto derby build-up press conference at Vodaworld this week, emerging 19-year-old Chiefs midfielder rose to the occasion.
Like a seasoned professional, Shabalala dealt with a barrage of questions from the strong media presence with the assuredness he displays with the ball at his feet in the middle of the park. PSL clubs have a tendency to overprotect young players from doing media interviews, and it came as a pleasant surprise when the youngster was made available together with club veteran Itumeleng Khune.
The other notable speakers on the day were ex-Pirates star Phumudzo Manenzhe and former Chiefs defender Siphiwe Mkhonza, both TV pundits. But interest was firmly on Shabalala, who is establishing himself as a genuine prospect with his skills and vision under coach Arthur Zwane at Naturena.
Before the teen was called to the stage to talk about his experiences, he was sitting between Khune and Chiefs sporting director Kaizer Motaung Jnr and looked relaxed about the glare, voice recorders (these days cellphones) pushed in his face and quick-fire questions that were coming his way.
Shabalala, who has made an impact with two goals in eight DStv Premiership appearances for Amakhosi so far this season, spoke about how he has found life in the PSL and his newfound fame. Young players are often not expressive, but Shabalala was candid about his eventful journey that has seen him attend trials in Belgium and Spain, where he learnt a lot. He said everyone in his family grew up supporting Pirates, but he has influenced his mother and siblings to switch to yellow and gold, but his father has refused to change his colours.
On Saturday, Shabalala is expected to feature in his first Soweto derby against Pirates. He is itching to be part of the experience, something he dreamed of as a young boy.
He started in Chiefs’ last league match where he scored in their 3-2 league defeat to Golden Arrows and Zwane is expected to show faith in him against Pirates. He was used as a central midfielder in that game, with Keagan Dolly on the left and Ashley du Preez on the right, and operating behind striker Christian Saile.
If he gets the nod, Shabalala will pit his wits against the likes of Thembinkosi Lorch, Monnapule Saleng, Miguel Timm and Ndabayithethwa Ndlondlo in the heart of Chiefs’ midfield in front of 60,000 to 90,000 supporters at the FNB cauldron.
For Chiefs to get their fifth successive league win over Pirates would not be all about Shabalala — more experienced stars such as Dolly, Siyethemba Sithebe, Yusuf Maart, Zitha Kwinika and Saile would have to come to the party. It will not be easy for the inconsistent fifth-placed Chiefs as Pirates have ambitions of finishing second in the Premiership and qualifying for the Champions League next season.
Shabalala was impressive in that press conference after he was thrust into the limelight, and if he gives a similarly assured performance on Saturday in front of what is expected to be a packed FNB Stadium, will capture the imagination of the fans.
A new Amakhosi star may truly announce himself on the biggest stage in South African football.
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