‘Chiefs’ instability has derailed my progress’Amakhosi product Shabalala ‘lagging’ behind his peers

• Published date: 26 April 2024
• Publication title: Sowetan (Johannesburg, South Africa)

Most of them have done better than him, and he blames Amakhosi’s instability for derailing his progress

In the past, Shabalala was compared with 22-year-old former Mamelodi Sundowns striker Cassius Mailula, who scored an impressive 15 goals from 31 outings last season before being sold to US Major League Soccer side Toronto.

Shabalala has a measly one assist without a goal in 15 games this season, while Mofokeng, who’s a year younger, has racked up three goals and four assists from as many games this term.

“Obviously, being compared with other players pushes you but our situations are not the same. I was introduced to a team that hasn’t been winning and they were introduced when their teams were winning, so they had good surroundings.

“Going to a team like that as a youngster ... it’s easy to bring your A game, but being promoted to a team where you are not identified as a youngster, it’s difficult,” Shabalala stated.

“I am happy that they compare us... so far they are better than me...