Da Cruz backs Shabalala after Chiefs penalty miss

Kaizer Chiefs manager Fernando Da Cruz has defended Mduduzi Shabalala after the midfielder missed a penalty in the club’s 2-1 Carling Knockout Cup quarter-final victory over Siwelele FC.

Shabalala failed to convert from 12 yards at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday, but Wandile Duba scored from another penalty before Asanele Velebayi struck a late winner to send Chiefs into the semi-finals.

The miss attracted criticism from some supporters, who have recently questioned Shabalala’s finishing after a number of missed opportunities. Da Cruz, however, praised the 20-year-old for accepting responsibility in an important cup tie.

“Missing penalties can happen to any player. It has happened before to the best players, any players in the world, in the best competition,” Da Cruz said after the match.

“It’s normal that he is disappointed, but he must keep his head up and continue to work.

“For us, he is a very important player, and we need him.”

The Chiefs head coach also pointed to Shabalala’s contribution over the course of the season, rather than focusing solely on the missed spot-kick.

The academy graduate has scored two goals and supplied one assist this term. He also leads Kaizer Chiefs for big chances created per 90 minutes, underlining his importance in the attacking approach being developed at Naturena.

Da Cruz said those figures reflected the value of Shabalala’s attacking movement and creativity, despite the disappointment of his penalty miss.

The result against Siwelele FC has set up a semi-final meeting with rivals Mamelodi Sundowns in what promises to be a major Carling Knockout contest.

That match is scheduled to take place during the weekend of 21-22 November. Chiefs will then turn their attention back to the Betway Premiership and their domestic campaign.

Their next league fixture after the cup tie will be against Chippa United at Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium on Saturday, November 28.