Kaizer Chiefs' Mduduzi Shabalala says he is ready to fire in the goals for Kaizer Chiefs after doing extra training sessions.
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Some Kaizer Chiefs players are gearing up to finish the season on a high and secure a third-place finish in the Betway Premiership, believing they are in the right mindset to help the team.
Chiefs will face Magesi FC in their 20th league game of the season at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (6pm kick-off). It is a match they want to win at all costs as they look to build momentum after a 1-0 victory over Durban City FC in their last game, which ended a four-game losing streak.
For Amakhosi to achieve that goal, they need to be balanced: keeping another clean sheet while being more clinical in attack. So far, however, they have lacked potency, failing to convert chances.
Attacker Mduduzi Shabalala has been one of the more wasteful players in front of goal, resulting in inconsistency and his omission from the Bafana Bafana squad for the upcoming World Cup preparation matches against Panama in Durban and Cape Town.
Shabalala has been working hard to regain form and return to scoring, including extra training sessions with former club striker Lehlohonolo Majoro. As a result, he believes he is ready to perform at his best and contribute positively.
“Obviously, I haven’t been in my best form. So, I am trying my best to get back, and hopefully I will be on the scoresheet in our next game,” Shabalala said.
A more potent attack will also benefit Chiefs defensively. Amakhosi’s defence has regressed in recent weeks, conceding goals after a solid start to the season.
However, injuries and suspensions have also disrupted the team. Aden McCarthy suffered injuries earlier in the year and has recently been sidelined due to suspension, missing key matches.
After missing the last game against City, McCarthy said he is now in a better place, both mentally and physically.
“Mentally and physically, I think I am in the best condition I could be in this season,” McCarthy said. “I had injuries at the beginning of the season, but now I am recovering well and building strength. That helps with understanding what you need to do and how to manage yourself.”
McCarthy emphasised the importance of unity, saying the team must work towards a shared goal.
“I think we all need to have the same vision of finishing in the top three,” he said. “No matter what happens with other teams, it’s out of our control. But we can do our best together as a team to achieve that.”
With Chiefs chasing a top-three finish and Magesi fighting for survival, both teams have strong motivation heading into the clash. McCarthy explained how they plan to approach the game.
“I think we should prepare the same way as we would for a derby or a game against Mamelodi Sundowns, because the points we need are also against teams at the bottom – they are fighting to stay up,” he said. “The same mentality is needed for all our fixtures.”
According to McCarthy, while preparation has been solid, it will be crucial for Chiefs to stick to their game plan rather than be swayed by the opposition’s strengths or weaknesses.
“I wouldn’t want to dwell on that too much, but all I can say is that we have a plan. We just need to stick to it and execute it,” McCarthy said.
* Mihlali Baleka is Independent Media's senior football reporter and a panelist on the group's soccer podcast, The D-Line, which is exclusive on our YouTube channel The Clutch