Jomo Sono: Orlando Pirates Legend Praises Kaizer Chiefs Star Ahead of Soweto Derby
- Football legend Jomo Sono publicly praised Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala ahead of the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium
- Sono acknowledged criticism of the 22-year-old's final-third productivity but singled out a specific quality that sets him apart
- The former Orlando Pirates icon also weighed in on other young Chiefs players making waves in the Betway Premiership
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Football icon Jomo Sono has added his voice to the conversation around Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala, offering a firm endorsement of the youngster days before the Soweto Derby.
Speaking to KickOff ahead of Saturday's Betway Premiership clash between Kaizer Chiefs and Orlando Pirates at FNB Stadium (15:30), Sono was direct in his assessment of the 22-year-old, who wears the number 7 jersey at Amakhosi.
Sono Defends Shabalala's Value
Shabalala remains one of the more divisive figures in South African football, with critics frequently pointing to his decision-making near goal. Observers have noted that his body orientation on the edge of the box can lead him to rush passes or attempt tight-angle shots when better options are available.
Sono, however, argued that chance creation alone sets the youngster apart from many of his peers.
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"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," Sono said.
He continued: "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 Tips Vilakazi and Duba
Beyond Shabalala, Sono took the opportunity to highlight a broader wave of emerging talent at Chiefs, specifically pointing to Mfundo Vilakazi and Wandile Duba as players who have caught his attention.
"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," Sono said.
Returning his focus to Shabalala, the legendary former Pirates striker offered a straightforward explanation for the gap between the player's ability and his output.
"But Shabalala, he is the future that boy. The only thing missing in his game is luck. You need luck in football to do it perfectly," Sono said.
Chiefs host their sworn rivals Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby at FNB Stadium on Saturday afternoon.
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Source: Briefly News
