Kaizer Chiefs coach Nasreddine Nabi has commented positively on Mduduzi Shabalala following the 20-year-old's crucial contribution to the team's 1-0 victory over Chippa United.
Shabalala, who scored a brilliant first-half goal, played a pivotal role in securing the three points for Chiefs, showcasing his potential as a rising star at the club.
While Nabi has often preferred to keep his focus on the team as a whole, he acknowledged Shabalala's importance, recognising the weight of responsibility the young player carries at a club as prominent as Kaizer Chiefs.
"I prefer not to speak about individual players for the team spirit and mindset, but Shabalala has been good," Nabi told the media, speaking through the translation of assistant coach Cedric Kaze.
Read: Mokwena On Guardiola Matchup: 'You Cannot Lose'
The Chiefs coach noted that the pressure of representing a big club like Chiefs can sometimes lead to inconsistency, explaining that the young player is still adjusting to the demands of top flight football.
"He is not consistent but we feel that he carries a lot of responsibility on his shoulders for a team as big as Kaizer Chiefs, and that puts a lot of pressure on him. That's why sometimes he is good and sometimes he is very good," Nabi explained.
Despite his fluctuating performances, Nabi remained optimistic about Shabalala's potential, especially considering his youth.
"He is still very young, and we want to congratulate him because he has been at a consistent level," the coach said, adding that Shabalala's performances should serve as an example for the club's other young players.
"Even the other youngsters should follow in his example."
Read: McCarthy Emotional About Missing Chiefs Pirates Jobs
