For Mduduzi Shabalala, it doesn’t matter that he shares the Kaizer Chiefs dressing room with veterans like Itumeleng Khune and Sifiso Hlanti.
Also read: Motaung Jr sees positives in Chief Zwane’s position
To him, they are the same as those who are there to do the same job which is to help the Chiefs win games.
“It’s all about mentality. It helps you fight in the game,” Shabalala said during the Soweto derby media day this week.
“It always helps to think that you are good enough so that you don’t underestimate yourself,” added the 19-year-old.
Shabalala sets an example of a good young player in leagues around the world.
“You can see what is happening in football. There are young players playing in the best leagues, including Pedri from Barcelona.
“Kylian Mbappe has played in two FIFA World Cup finals, and won one, at the age of 24. So how long will you be a kid?
“You always have to give your best and make sure you fight for your position in every game.”
Shabalala’s confidence and mentality will be what the Chiefs need at the FNB Stadium on Saturday when they meet traditional rivals Orlando Pirates.
“We have to get all three points. So, it won’t be an easy game. I expect to make mistakes because it’s my first derby, but I have to fight hard and dig deeper,” said Shabalala.
Jump ship Bucs
The boy from Senoane in Soweto, also revealed that he is a Pirates supporter like most of his family members.
“It’s true. I grew up supporting the Pirates. But since joining Chiefs, I have changed into a Chiefs supporter and I will die a Chiefs fan,” Shabalala said.
“I have influenced my mother, sister and younger brother to support Chiefs. But my father still refuses to jump ship. Even now he says he wants to beat me.”
Also read: Leaders say they are in talks with Sundowns midfielder
Shabalala will be high on confidence after scoring in Chiefs’ last game against Golden Arrows even though they lost.
The defeat put so much pressure on coach Arthur Zwane that he had to be escorted out of the Peter Mokaba Stadium in Limpopo with fans baying for his blood.