Kaizer Chiefs star Mduduzi Shabalala has definitely made a statement to be in the Bafana Bafana’s Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) tournament.
The 21-year-old guided Amakhosi to a 4-1 win over Orbit College to guide his side into second in the Betway Premiership. The win sees Chiefs win back-to-back league matches for the first time since August.
Shabalala’s brace comes at the right time when Bafana head coach Hugo Broos need a playmaker in his squad. He was named in the national team’s preliminary squad to face Zambia later this month and should be amongst the 23-man squad.
With Chiefs on form, Shabalala could just make the AFCON squad at the expense of Orlando Pirates winger Relebohile Mofokeng.
During the recent concluded World Cup qualifiers, it was the Chiefs playmaker who replaced the injured Rele. Although Mdu hardly got a chance to showcase his skills, it was evident that he was in Broos’ plans.
Is Shabalala’s AFCON spot sealed?
So far, so good for the Chiefs youth product. His form comes at the right time, when players are fighting for the AFCON spot.
With Mofokeng still nursing his injury, the next few matches could give another chance for Shabalala to impress Broos and secure his ticket to Morocco.
Another player who could compete with the Kaizer Chiefs star is veteran midfielder Themba Zwane. Mshishi’s return to action is good news for Bafana but could maybe cost Shabalala his AFCON spot if Broos decides to call Sipho Mbule.