Kaze Urges Shabalala to Elevate His Game After Stellar Performance

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Cedric Kaze has challenged Mduduzi Shabalala to raise his game even further, despite the young attacker’s dazzling display in the 4-1 win over Orbit College in the Betway Premiership at FNB Stadium on Tuesday.

Shabalala was involved in all four of Chiefs’ goals, scoring twice and providing two assists in a standout performance that earned him the Man of the Match award. However, Kaze insists the 21-year-old still has room for improvement.

“I believe a player like Shabalala has big potential for progression. He’s still 21 and can improve in many areas,” said Kaze.

“As a number 10, he needs to contribute even more in the key areas — goals and assists. That’s what we expect from him.”

The victory marked Chiefs’ biggest league win under the leadership of Kaze and Khalil Ben Youssef, something that did not happen even during Nasreddine Nabi’s tenure before his recent dismissal.

It was also the first time Chiefs scored four goals in a match since the Nedbank Cup first-round clash against Free Agent last season.

The result lifted Amakhosi to second place in the Premiership standings on 22 points after 11 matches, level with Mamelodi Sundowns, who remain top due to a superior goal difference.

Shabalala’s stats reflected his influence — he completed 50% of his dribbles, made seven touches inside the opposition box, and registered three shots on target.

“Sometimes it’s about finding the right decisions and the right pass,” Kaze explained. “In the past, when he got into the box, he tended to take too many touches. It’s something we are correcting every day.

The good thing about him is that he’s an unbelievable player who’s eager to learn every single day.”

Another youngster thriving under Kaze and Ben Youssef’s guidance is Mfundo Vilakazi, who also found the net on Tuesday.

The 19-year-old has now started the last three matches in all competitions, although he was substituted at halftime in the 1-0 win over Durban City last Friday.

Kaze, however, urged supporters to be patient with Vilakazi’s development.

“Vilakazi has huge potential for growth. He’s only 19,” said Kaze. “Technically, he’s very gifted, but the PSL is a physical league — players will run over you, and there are constant duels.

“He needs to improve physically because sometimes you can’t just go forward — you need to hold the ball, use your strength, and defend when required.

“We know he’s a player who can make a difference in the final third, but we also want him to become more complete — someone who can challenge, defend, and contribute in all phases of play.”