Former Kaizer Chiefs winger Siphiwe Tshabalala has spoken about the challenge Amakhosi have after he watched Mduduzi Shabalala's showboating in the Soweto Derby against Orlando Pirates
Playing in his first derby against Pirates, Shabalala had the confidence of someone who is far more experienced. At some point during the first half, Shabalala had the confidence to brush the ball a bit and wipe the sweat off his forehead with the famous gold and black jersey of Amakhosi, which was appreciated by the supporters who cheered him on, as if to say he should do it again.
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The confidence, in a game as big as the derby, was impressive, but Tshabalala had some mixed feelings about it.
"I am a fan of progressive showboating, when you eliminate (players) going forward. Speak to the boy. He is still young and he is still learning. Proper mentorship and guidance... Next time he will know that there are situations where he needs to eliminate and there are situations where he needs to be calm or keep possession and there are situations where needs to express himself," Tshabalala told the Siya crew.
"On the contrary, it showed that the boy has character, the boy is brave and the boy can play at the highest level. Those are the positives that I can take from that showboating. No one can do that at FNB (Stadium) and impress people as well. I mean it used to happen before, when you go back to the derbies (of the past). Sometimes you do it just to intimidate the opponents or to revive the fans when the mood is a bit down."
In general, 'Shabba' feels the Diski Challenge graduate has a bright future.
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"I am impressed with him. I do, however, feel that the boy needs to be protected in a way. It's his first season and, as a youngster, when such happens, sometimes the stage can be overwhelming. All of a sudden you are a public figure and everyone loves you and compliments you. He needs to be protected in a sense that he needs to be mentored and guided and prepared for this journey he has undertaken. Apart from that, the future looks bright for him."
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