Kaizer Chiefs lost 2-1 to Stellies in the Nedbank Cup round of 32, where Shabalala’s inability to convert two clear one-on-one situations against goalkeeper Sage Stephens proved decisive in a contest that slipped away from Amakhosi.

The 22-year-old from Soweto endured further frustration in a CAF Confederation Cup clash against Al Masry, missing another big chance.

The result was a moaning crowd and, of course, social media backlash. However, former Kaizer Chiefs winger Mandla Masango has stepped forward to call for perspective and patience.

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MANDLA MASANGO BACKS KAIZER CHIEFS YOUNGSTER MDUDUZI SHABALALA

Masango says Shabalala’s potential weighs more than short-term disappointment.

“I think he needs to be supported, he needs to be encouraged, because he’s one for the future,” Masanga said as quoted by Kick Off.

“One day he’ll have the opportunity to lead Bafana Bafana, not only Kaizer Chiefs, so we need to really be behind him and always encourage him whenever we see him.

NOT JUST A NUMBER 10

“And one day he’ll be a Top Goal Scorer, and I like the fact that he gets into good positions. There are rare players, especially playing in his position, who get opportunities in different types of positions in the box.”

“A lot of number 10s play away from the box, but his box entries are very impressive, and he will get them right, and one day we’ll sit here and talk a different story,” the former Kaizer Chiefs hero concluded.

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DO YOU AGREE WITH MASANGO?

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