Mdu Shabalala inspired by Relebohile Mofokeng’s rise ahead of Soweto Derby

Shabalala is one of several players on both sides that have graduated from the junior ranks and could light up the Soweto Derby as they did in the Diski Challenge.

Given the meteoric rise enjoyed by Mofokeng, and fellow former DDC stars like Thabiso Sesane and Mohau Nkota, the 21-year-old is eager to emulate their success in the professional ranks.

"The DDC derby and the Soweto Derby that we're going to play now, it's not the same. The hype around DDC is there, but it's not going to be the same as this one," said Shabalala.

"The growth is there – you can see, even the likes of Rele [Mofokeng] is always showing up, even in the CAF Champions League.

"So for us it's always about being positive, we are coming up and we should learn from them – the likes of [Thabiso] Sesane and Rele, and continue being ourselves, and we shouldn't forget to express ourselves the way we're used to."

Shabalala missed Chiefs’ last two matches against Sekhukhune United and Free Agents FC while recovering from injury, but he confirmed to SABC Sport he’s back and hoping to get the nod against Pirates, with everyone raring to go tomorrow.

"I'm getting better, I hope I can be part of the team on Saturday, but I've been training with the team and I'm hoping to be selected for the game," he added.

"The spirit is good, we've won two games in a row and kept clean sheets, so everyone is excited and motivated, and everyone is ready to play, and it's just to focus on ourselves and focus on executing the game plan."

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