Nasreddine Nabi's Key Player at Kaizer Chiefs Emerges As Prime Target for European Clubs

Nasreddine Nabi's Key Player at Kaizer Chiefs Emerges As Prime Target for European Clubs

  • Kaizer Chiefs star Mduduzi Shabalala has emerged as a target for a European club during the January transfer window
  • Belgian side KSV Westerlo previously showed an interest in the 20-year-old, and reports have suggested an unnamed European side has joined the race for the youngster
  • Amakhosi fans responded on social media to say Shabalala is ready to make a move overseas, while others doubted if the rumours were true

Soweto giants Kaizer Chiefs could suffer a major mid-season blow as European clubs circle for talented youngster Mduduzi Shabalala.

Despite his young age, Shabalala has emerged as one of the best players in the Chiefs squad this season, and his impressive form could see him leave Mzansi shores.

Mduduzi Shabalala could leave Nasreddine Nabi with a big void to fill if he leaves Kaizer Chiefs.
Kaizer Chiefs star Mduduzi Shabalala could deal Nasreddine Nabi a major blow if he leaves the club for Europe. Image: KaizerChiefs.
Source: Twitter

Since the start of the season, Shabalala has scored four goals in 11 PSL matches and has been linked with a move to Europe, while he previously had a trial at Belgian side KSV Westerlo.

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Kaizer Chiefs determined to keep Mduduzi Shabalala

Shabalala has attracted interest from European clubs, according to the tweet below:

According to a Soccer Laduma source, Chiefs are keen to keep Shabalala, while the side will face Stellenbosch FC on Wednesday, 8 January 2025, in a PSL fixture.

The source said:

"They are aware of the interest and don't want to lose him, and that is why they offered him a new contract. Also, the coach believes in him, and he does not want to lose him as he is enjoying his game at the moment. So for now, there is European interest in Shabalala, but Chiefs are making sure that they keep him."

Chiefs confirmed their match against Stellenbosch on their Twitter (X) profile:

Shabalala is thriving under Nasreddine Nabi

Following his impressive performances this season, Shabalala praised coach Nasreddine Nabi for allowing him to play freely.

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Kaizer Chiefs star praises coach Nasreddine Nabi despite inconsistent results

Shabalala is not the only youngster who has benefited from having the Tunisian tactician at the club; fellow prospects Wandile Duba and Mfundo Vilakazi have also made an impact.

Mduduzi Shabalala has been a standout star for Kaizer Chiefs this season.
Kaizer Chiefs star Mduduzi Shabalala has attracted interest from Europe after impressive displays in the PSL. Image: KaizerChiefs.
Source: Twitter

Fans back Shabalala to shine

Amakhosi fans reacted on social media to say Shabalala has the skills to play overseas, while others feel he needs to spend more time in the PSL.

Goodman Lavezzy wants Shabalala to stay:

"No we must stop being development to other teams until we finish rebuilding."

Ditiro Seerane doubts Shabalala's abilities:

"Mdu is not ready for Europe or foreign soil."

Simtembile Ngxingxi does not believe the rumours:

"Lies."

Church KJ Bafedile backs the move:

"He is at the right age to move. I like him a lot, and he is far better than last season. He hustles like crazy. Of course, he makes some mistakes, but he has the correct attitude. He is not overawed. When the team is not ticking, he only wants a win. I really wish him well if the interest is there. He is currently the best player at Chiefs as young as he is."

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Orlando Pirates dealt big blow in their pursuit of Bafana Bafana star

Bulelani Vice is a fan:

"He is one of our best young players in South Africa, and the national coach should give him the chance. He is very important in South African football; he won't disappoint."

Kaizer Chiefs star insists Amakhosi have improved under Nasreddine Nabi

As Briefly News reported, Kaizer Chiefs goalkeeper Bruce Bvuma said the club is progressing under coach Nasreddine Nabi despite an indifferent form this season.

Chiefs are currently seventh on the PSL log after winning four and losing four out of 11 PSL matches, while they have only kept one clean sheet in all matches.

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Source: Briefly News

Authors:
Junior Bester avatar

Junior Bester (Sports Editor) Junior Bester is the current Entertainment (Sports) Writer at Briefly News. He achieved a ND:Journalism at the Cape Peninsula University of Technology in 2012. He worked for Independent Newspapers from 2011 till 2022 covering news, sport, business and entertainment for titles such as Weekend Argus, Cape Argus, Daily Voice and Northern News. Junior passed a set of trainings by Google News Initiative. He joined Briefly News in 2024. You can reach him at junior.bester@briefly.co.za