Mduduzi Shabalala is tipped by Thuso Phala to be the difference-maker in Saturday’s Soweto derby at FNB Stadium.
Image: Itumeleng English / Independent Newspapers
Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Thuso Phala believes Mduduzi Shabalala has the spark to turn the tide in the upcoming Soweto derby, backing the young attacker to shine and etch his mark in what promises to be one of the most electrifying showdowns between these rivals in recent memory.
Long regarded as the biggest fixture on the domestic calendar, this year’s edition carries added weight. Unlike in recent seasons, both sides remain firmly in the title race, raising the stakes as they look to strengthen their bids to end lengthy waits for league glory when they meet at FNB Stadium on Saturday (kick-off 3.30pm).
With so much riding on the result, moments of individual brilliance could prove decisive — and Phala believes Shabalala is ready to rise to the occasion.
While Orlando Pirates have enjoyed the upper hand in several recent derby meetings, Chiefs claimed the last encounter — a painful defeat for the Buccaneers in last season’s Nedbank Cup final.
That result reinforced the notion that form often counts for little in this fixture, where execution on the day and capitalising on key moments usually determine the outcome.
The Buccaneers may have history on their side, but they head into this clash with a slight dent in confidence following consecutive setbacks — a league defeat to Mamelodi Sundowns and a penalty shootout exit in the Nedbank Cup at the hands of lower-division side Casric Stars. Those results have disrupted their momentum and added urgency to Saturday’s showdown.
Chiefs, meanwhile, recently saw their Caf Confederation Cup campaign come to an end, leaving them with no option but to focus fully on their domestic ambitions, although they have also been knocked out of the Nedbank Cup.
As has been the case in the last few seasons, a lot will lie on the shoulders of Shabalala, and Phala has been happy with the youngster's game despite some of his shortfalls.
“Mduduzi Shabalala has been getting some criticism that he has been missing some goal-scoring opportunities,” Phala said on SuperSport.
“But for him to be getting those chances — even in the recent Caf game he played — shows he is a key player for Chiefs because he is always in the right place at the right time.”
The 22-year-old has faced scrutiny over his finishing in recent weeks, but Phala insists that it is only a matter of time before he converts more regularly.
“Heading into this derby, I think it will be his time to shine,” Phala added.
“On the day, he could be the one who wins it for Chiefs.
“He is still young and has a lot to learn, but he can only improve. For him to get so many chances in matches shows he is reading the game well and making the right movements.”
The former Amakhosi midfielder also pointed to Chiefs’ defensive improvement as a major positive in the title race. They currently boast the best defensive record in the league, conceding just six goals in 15 matches — a significant turnaround from last season, when they conceded 32 goals in 28 games.
“This is how it should be every season — both Chiefs and Pirates competing for the league. A derby of this nature means so much because it is a battle for the title, and that makes it even more exciting.
“What is positive for Chiefs is that they are not conceding goals. If you are a team that keeps clean sheets consistently, you always have a chance of winning the championship. If they maintain that, they will be right there.”
* Obakeng Meletse is Independent Media’s multi-sport writer. For fresh video content, follow our YouTube channel The Clutch.