Kaizer Chiefs star Mduduzi Shabalala was reportedly high on AS FAR Rabat coach Nassredine Nabi’s wishlist.
Nassredine Nabi, who was linked with Chiefs during the off-season, is said to have been tracking Shabalala’s performances.
The Tunisian mentor left Tanzania giants Young Africans at the end of the 2022/23 season after guiding them to six trophies in two seasons.
After taking up a job with the Moroccan champions AS FAR Rabat, Nabi lost talented winger Reda Slim to Egyptian giants Al Ahly.
In a bid to replace the 23-year-old, the former Yanga coach identified Shabalala as the perfect replacement.
The 19-year-old is seen as a budding talent for Chiefs and has previously been linked with a move to Europe.
It is believed that Nabi’s impediment to signing Shabalala for his current club, AS FAR, was that the Moroccan club were unable to afford the transfer fee.
Shabalala is under contract with Chiefs until 2025, but it is possible that he could be sold in the near future. The midfielder previously impressed at a trial with a Belgian club, but Chiefs would not release him.
It remains to be seen whether Chiefs will be willing to sell Shabalala, but he has previously shown that he is a talented player with a bright future.
SHABALALA’S RISE TO PROMINENCE
Shabalala joined Chiefs’ youth academy in 2016. He made his first-team debut in 2022 and has since made over 26 appearances for the club. The youth international scored two goals and provided two assists.
This season, he has featured thrice for Chiefs, coming from the bench twice and starting once. He has provided one assist so far.
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The Under 20 national team star is versatile and can play in several positions. The Soweto-born star will play as a winger, second striker and attacking midfielder. He is known for his dribbling, passing ability and his work rate.
It is unclear what the future holds for Shabalala. He is under contract with Chiefs until 2025, but it is possible that he could be sold in the near future.