The 21-year-old Kaizer Chiefs midfielder’s temporary absence fuelled transfer speculation. His social media activity sparked widespread debate among Amakhosi supporters.
It is said that Shabalala has reporedly returned to the first-team setup. He has completed a short rehabilitation programme with the club’s DStv Diski Challenge (DDC) side.
MDUDUZI SHABALALA MADE KAIZER CHIEFS FANS ANXIOUS
The Soweto-born attacking midfielder recently became one of the most talked-about players in South African football. He removed all photos of himself in a Kaizer Chiefs shirt from his Instagram account.
Fans also noticed that Shabalala and the club no longer followed each other on social media.It led to speculation about his future at Naturena.
His temporary absence fuelled transfer speculation after his social media activity sparked widespread debate among Amakhosi supporters.
Those rumours intensified when Shabalala was left out of Kaizer Chiefs’ Betway Premiership opening-day victory over Kruger United. Instead, he travelled to Lesotho with the club’s reserve side for a friendly against Lifofane FC.
SHABALALA REBUILDING MATCH FITNESS
Despite the speculation, Shabalala’s absence was not linked to a transfer or disciplinary issue.
The talented midfielder has been recovering from the broken arm that ended his previous campaign prematurely. The Kaizer Chiefs technical team decided he needed competitive minutes before returning to senior football.
That opportunity came with the DDC side, where Shabalala started and played 75 minutes in a 3-1 victory over Lifofane FC at Setsoto Stadium in Maseru.
The outing gave the midfielder valuable match fitness as he continues working towards full sharpness ahead of the new season.
KAIZER CHIEFS HANDED MAJOR BOOST
DDC coach Vela Khumalo praised Shabalala’s attitude during his time with the reserve team, highlighting the youngster’s professionalism and humility throughout the trip to Lesotho.
Following the successful fitness exercise, Shabalala has now returned to Johannesburg to rejoin the Kaizer Chiefs senior squad. While his social media activity continues to generate discussion among supporters, the midfielder’s immediate priority is regaining full fitness and fighting for a regular place under head coach Fernando Da Cruz.
His return gives Kaizer Chiefs another creative option as the club prepares for the challenges of the Betway Premiership, MTN8 and CAF Confederation Cup during the 2026/27 season.
It remains to be seen if Shabalala will be included in this weekend’s game. Amakhosi will take on Golden Arrows in the MTN8 quarterfinals on Sunday. Kick off is set for 18:00 at the FNB Stadium.
WHAT DO YOU EXPECT FROM SHABALALA THIS SEASON?
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