Mduduzi Shabalala: Healthy Rivalry Driving Performance in Kaizer Chiefs Camp

Kaizer Chiefs have set up base in the Netherlands as part of their preparations for the 2025/26 season. Having touched down on Friday, the Soweto giants are set to face Dutch side Vitesse Arnhem in their first training match on Tuesday evening at Sportpark Driel. The game kicks off at 7pm South African time and will be streamed live on the club’s official YouTube channel.

Fierce but Friendly Competition in Camp

Mduduzi Shabalala, speaking to the club’s media team, highlighted the intense competition for places in the squad. With a number of new signings added to the mix, the battle for a starting berth has become increasingly fierce, but in a positive way.

“So far so good,” said the young midfielder. “Everyone is giving their all. It’s fiery out there, but the competition remains healthy. We’re pushing each other to improve.”

New Arrivals Join the Fray

Several of Amakhosi’s latest recruits are part of the Netherlands camp. The club has bolstered its squad with defenders Paseka Mako, Thabiso Monyana, and Nkanyiso Shinga; midfielders Ethan Chislett and Siphesihle Ndlovu; and Portuguese striker Flavio Silva.

Supporters will likely get their first look at some of these players when Chiefs take on Vitesse, with Shabalala pointing out that these matches are more about development than results.

“We’re not obsessed with the scoreline,” he said. “It’s about learning and growing as a team. These games help us understand each other better and bring cohesion before the season kicks off back home.”

Reflection on a Mixed Season

The 2024/25 campaign was a rollercoaster for Shabalala. He began brightly under coach Nasreddine Nabi but struggled to maintain consistency as the season progressed. Still, he played a crucial impact role in the team’s 2-1 victory over Orlando Pirates in the Nedbank Cup final in May.

“I started the season well,” he reflected. “But I didn’t end it the way I wanted. We also realised as a team that we need to improve our finishing and win more of our home games. That will be vital if we’re serious about competing for the top spots.”

Chiefs ended the season in a disappointing 10th position in the Betway Premiership, failing once again to secure a place in the MTN8.

Eyes Set on a Strong Comeback

With the club aiming for a turnaround in fortunes, Shabalala believes the spirit and intensity in the current camp could be key to changing the narrative.

“There’s something different about this pre-season. Everyone is hungry. The goal is to return stronger and more united.”

As Kaizer Chiefs prepare to enter a new era under renewed leadership and fresh faces, it’s clear that internal competition and hard lessons from last season are shaping their resolve.