Chiefs’ centurion Mdu Shabalala earns high praise and World Cup backing

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has heralded Mduduzi Shabalala as one of the “smartest” talents in South Africa, following the attacker’s landmark 100th senior appearance for the club.

The Tunisian tactician singled out the impact of veteran midfielder Lebohang Maboe and the rising star Shabalala as the Soweto giants maintained their 100% win record this calendar year with a 1-0 CAF Confederation Cup victory over Zesco United.

In addition, Ben Youssef highlighted the tactical intelligence and professionalism of players like the newly minted centurion as the primary driving forces behind Amakhosi’s flawless start to 2026.

For Ben Youssef, Shabalala’s milestone is more than just a number; it is a testament to an elite tactical discipline—a quality the coach believes should earn the 22-year-old a seat on the plane to the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Bafana Bafana.

The ‘Engine Room’ General

Maboe, who returned to Naturena in the winter window, has quickly become the heartbeat of the Chiefs midfield. Despite an initial spell on the sidelines due to injury, the 31-year-old has seamlessly integrated into the line-up, rekindling a dominant partnership with Siphesihle Ndlovu.

According to Ben Youssef, Maboe’s value extends beyond his physical output on the pitch; it’s his understanding of the game’s nuances that sets him apart.

“I think Maboe is one of the most important players for us; he’s a smart player and a true professional,” Ben Youssef told the media at Moses Mabhida Stadium. “I am very close to him; we discuss tactics extensively. Whether we use him or George Matlou, it gives the team immense stability.”

100 First Team Appearances ✌🏼#Amakhosi4Life #Shabalala100Games pic.twitter.com/C9HZsNpP00

— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) February 1, 2026

Chiefs’ Mdu Shabalala’s Century and World Cup Ambitions

The afternoon was also a celebration of youth development, as the club honoured Mdu Shabalala for reaching a century of appearances in the gold and black. The 22-year-old academy graduate was handed a commemorative shirt before kick-off, marking a milestone that underlines his consistency since his promotion.

Ben Youssef believes Shabalala’s coachability is his greatest asset, even tipping the attacker for a spot in Hugo Broos’ Bafana Bafana squad for the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

𝗕𝗲𝗻 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘀𝘀𝗲𝗳 𝗥𝗲𝗳𝗹𝗲𝗰𝘁𝘀 𝗼𝗻 𝗦𝗵𝗮𝗯𝗮𝗹𝗮𝗹𝗮’𝘀 𝗠𝗶𝗹𝗲𝘀𝘁𝗼𝗻𝗲

Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has lauded Mduduzi Shabalala after the attacker reached 100 senior appearances for Amakhosi!

Following the 1-0 CAF CC win over Zesco United, Ben… pic.twitter.com/d2iZHrj6NS

— Pan-Africa Football (@PanAfricaFooty) February 2, 2026

“Shabalala is one of the best. He is performing very well because he is smart and professional. Every piece of advice we give him, he takes it on board. I hope he continues this form and makes the World Cup squad,” the coach added.

The Defending Champions Turn to ‘Ke Yona’

Amakhosi’s momentum will be put to the ultimate test this Wednesday. The defending Nedbank Cup champions travel to the DHL Stadium to face a high-flying Stellenbosch FC side in a Round of 32 clash that many are calling the “match of the round.”

With four wins from four matches in 2026, Ben Youssef’s “smart” operators will need to be at their tactical best to keep the dream of a title defence alive.