Cavin Johnson: Mdu Shabalala is rediscovering his form

Shabalala scored the winning goal in Chiefs’ 2-1 win over SuperSport United on Saturday – his first since netting against Golden Arrows in February 2023. 

With 14 appearances to his name this season, the 20-year-old has struggled for regular game-time, but Johnson believes the goal will now do his progress the world of good.

"Look, Shabba's been on the fringes for a while and he's been in and out – when I started [as interim coach], I gave him a few games, and now he's come in again," said Johnson.

"He's always been a quality player, he's always been someone that's fighting to be in the team, and tonight he scores a goal, so it's like any other player in his position – what makes them better players is when they score goals. So I think he played very well."

Another Chiefs youngster eagerly awaiting to score his first goal at professional level is junior international Mfundo Vilakazi, who has come off the bench in the last two matches. 

Johnson says the 18-year-old, who recently signed a four-year contract at the club, is not far from a place in the starting line-up.

"That depends on the tactics for the next opponent, and how we see him doing the best he can in order to make the team succeed, but he's a good player, and he will start," added the coach.

Chiefs' next test will be against defending champions and DStv Premiership log leaders Mamelodi Sundowns at FNB Stadium on Thursday evening (kick-off at 19h30).

READ: Chiefs players mentality lauded in victory over SuperSport United