Rising star Mduduzi Shabalala has been tipped to feature more often for Kaizer Chiefs after making the most of his chance to impress new head coach Nasreddine Nabi and the accompanying technical team.
While it's still early days, Shabalala has proven to be one of the side's most lethal attacking outlets, starting all three matches played thus far.
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The 20-year-old, whom insiders reveal very nearly went out on loan, has grabbed the bull by the horns in the early stages of 2024/25.
He scored in a 2-1 win over Marumo Gallants and provided a delightful assist as Amakhosi beat AmaZulu FC 3-1.
"He is one of the players that took their chances and he deserves it (the game-time) because he's been working very hard," said a source.
"It's been tough for him in recent seasons, everyone knows, but he is enjoying his football at the moment and so the coach is trusting him with more and more responsibility."
The South African junior international has already made 47 senior appearances for Chiefs but has so far struggled to live up to the potential shown in the DStv Diski Challenge.
However, early indications are that the Soweto-born midfielder's fourth season at the senior side, under the club's new technical team, could be the one to propel 'Mdu or Die' to a top-class talent.
Mduduzi Shabalala vs. Supersport United.
— El Capitano? (@_izodlalaiTv) April 28, 2024
He's never low on confidencet when given a chance!
The generation that will eventually make us happy!?????
Mdu or Die?? pic.twitter.com/YszlBYGHBs
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His two-goal contribution in the three appearances made is already close to matching his overall contribution made from 21 appearances last season.
The skillful player has also benefited from the experience of like-minded players around, including the arrival of Gaston Sirino, who has taken off some pressure from players like Shabalala and Mfundo Vilakazi to be the creative spark in the team.
"He is one of the greatest examples of age quality and he has a lot of positive impact on the whole team when you think about players like Shabalala, Vilakazi, [Samkelo] Zwane," Nabi said of Sirino after the AmaZulu fixture.
Chiefs next return to league action on 26 October against SuperSport United.