Jomo Sono backs ‘chance-creating’ Mduduzi Shabalala ahead of Soweto Derby

Former Orlando Pirates favourite Jomo Sono has defended Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala, saying he would rather see the young playmaker create opportunities than spend 90 minutes running without making an impact.

Shabalala, who wears Chiefs’ iconic number 7 shirt, has attracted both praise and criticism as one of South Africa’s most gifted young attacking players. The 22-year-old’s performances are closely scrutinised, particularly because of the expectations attached to his role at Amakhosi.

Critics have questioned his efficiency in the final third and called for greater composure in front of goal. At times, his positioning and body shape around the edge of the penalty area have resulted in rushed passes or hurried shots from difficult angles, when a simpler option may have been available.

However, Sono believes Shabalala’s willingness to create chances makes him more valuable than players who cover substantial ground without producing anything decisive.

“What I like about Shabalala is that at least he creates chances. I would rather have a Shabalala who creates chances than a player who runs around the pitch for 90 minutes doing nothing, elokhu ebhuquza nje ungayiboni nento ayenzayo [running all over the pitch with no productivity],” Sono told KickOff.

“There are such players in football, and they sweat more than any other player on the pitch. Their shirt is always dripping wet.”

Sono also highlighted the wider group of young players emerging at Kaizer Chiefs, including Shabalala’s team-mates Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba.

“Chiefs youngsters have come out on board, especially his teammate Mfundo Vilakazi – he is a hell of a good player. There is also Wandile Duba; he is also a problem that one,” he said.

But Sono reserved his strongest praise for Shabalala, describing him as a key part of the club’s future and suggesting that fortune is the main ingredient missing from his performances.

“But Shabalala, he is the future that boy. The only thing missing in his game is luck,” Sono said.

“You need luck in football to do it perfectly.”

Shabalala and his Kaizer Chiefs team-mates will face sworn rivals Orlando Pirates in the latest Soweto Derby, with the Betway Premiership fixture taking place at FNB Stadium on Saturday at 15:30.