Mduduzi Shabalala hungry for more goals after Bafana Bafana call-up
Kaizer Chiefs attacker Mduduzi Shabalala has received the Bafana Bafana senior national team call-up for the first time since turning professional in 2022. The 21-year-old helped South Africa finish runners-up in this year’s COSAFA Cup and now wants to raise his game.
Shabalala admits his numbers need work. Since his debut three years ago, he has scored eight goals and provided five assists in 81 matches.
“As an attacking midfielder, as a striker, you’re only going to score, you’re only going to create chances and have assists. So numbers are very important in the game for any player. For me I’m working on that and I’m also working on getting more goals and more assists,” he said.
Chiefs’ attacking responsibility
The youngster has often led a struggling Kaizer Chiefs attack. With the club determined to improve on last season, Shabalala says the squad has set clear internal targets.
“We have to be better than last season in every aspect. We set goals inside the team and even the way we started was one of our goals. We are happy we managed to get nine points and we are looking forward to the upcoming games,” he explained.
Chiefs have shown promise in the opening matches of the 2025/26 Betway Premiership season, and fans at Naturena Village hope consistency finally returns.
Competition within the squad
The arrival of Luke Baartman and Asanele Velebhayi from Cape Town Spurs has strengthened Chiefs’ frontline. Rather than feel threatened, Shabalala welcomes the challenge.
“Luke is a good player, a strong signing for us. He’s going to help us a lot. He needs to focus on himself. He must always be himself at training and on the field. He must play with his heart so people can see it. He must not listen to everyone. He must do his thing and close the noise outside,” Shabalala said.
What this means for Bafana Bafana and Chiefs
Shabalala’s national team inclusion marks a big step in his career. For Hugo Broos, it is a chance to test a young attacker with creativity and hunger. For Chiefs, it proves their youth pipeline still delivers talent for both domestic and international football.
If Shabalala improves his finishing, he could become a regular for both Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana, two sides desperate for attacking spark.
Check also: Bafana Bafana Squad Named for World Cup Qualifiers Against Lesotho and Nigeria
Mduduzi Shabalala’s Bafana Bafana call-up rewards his perseverance, but he knows numbers matter. Chiefs and national team fans will watch closely to see if he converts potential into consistent goals and assists.
Do you think Shabalala will become a regular starter for Bafana Bafana? Share your thoughts below.
