Shabalala declared that he would keep savoring each moment until the Glamour Boys’ fortunes changed.
Amakhosi could finish outside of the top eight in the DStv Premiership, which puts them in an undesirable position.
Amakhosi has had a very difficult season. Their current position in the log standings is tenth, having played 24 matches and earning 30 points.
After losing to lower-division team Milford FC in the Nedbank Cup’s opening round and missing out on the MTN8 (won by Orlando Pirates) and the Carling Knockout (won by Stellenbosch FC), Amakhosi is out of competition for trophies.
“It hurts and is Depressing”
Under the direction of former coach Arthur Zwane, the 20-year-old Shabalala made his breakthrough into the Chiefs senior team last season.
Since then, he has made 22 appearances across all competitions.
Having only made 15 appearances for Amakhosi this season, the promising prospect has not had the same season.
Under interim coach Cavin Johnson and former head coach Molefi Ntseki, who was fired in October 2023, the majority of these appearances came from the bench.
Shabalala talked about how hurtful it was to get criticism from fans prior to their matchup with SuperSport United on Saturday. Nevertheless, he claimed he will relish the occasion.
Shabalala addressed the media on Thursday at the Kaizer Chiefs Village in Naturena, “It is sad and painful waking up every morning to see people doubting you, not having trust in you, and insulting you because you are not a good player.”
However, I believe that pressure is a luxury. Being a part of this large team in our current circumstance teaches you how to be a man.
“We are still young players who will still be around in years to come when we will be enjoying ourselves on the team.”
Maintaining the Faith
Shabalala thinks the only way to overcome the current difficulties and bad run of play is to maintain focus and optimism in the hope that the Chiefs can conclude the season in a respectable standing.
He clarified, saying, “It doesn’t seem like things are going our way, but we have to keep moving forward.
“The season hasn’t gone well, but we still have six games left, and we believe that everything can change in [just] one of them.
We are not that far away, so if we can defeat SuperSport, it will put us back in the top eight.
“Believing in ourselves and giving it your all for our fans, the team, and your family is the driving force behind everything we do and what keeps us motivated.”
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