Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala returned to competitive action on Sunday afternoon after missing Amakhosi’s Betway Premiership opener against Kruger United.
The 22-year-old featured for the club’s DDC side during a friendly match against Lesotho Premier League outfit Lifofane FC, as Chiefs recorded a comfortable 3-1 victory.
Back on the Pitch
Shabalala was not included in Fernando Da Cruz’s squad for the opening league fixture, but the trip to Lesotho provided him with valuable match minutes as he continues working towards a return to the senior side.
The midfielder travelled with members of the broader first-team and DDC setup for the cross-border friendly.
Chiefs Too Strong for Lifofane
Chiefs’ youngsters produced a strong performance to defeat Lifofane FC 3-1.
Kgotso Moleko, Donay Jansen and Kamogelo Malefo found the back of the net for the visitors, while former Kaizer Chiefs defender Eliyahu Benjamin scored the hosts’ only goal.
Result
🇱🇸 Lifofane FC 1-3 Kaizer Chiefs DDC 🇿🇦
⚽ Kgotso Moleko (Chiefs)
⚽ Donay Jansen (Chiefs)
⚽ Kamogelo Malefo (Chiefs)
⚽ Eliyahu Benjamin (Lifofane FC)
Chance to Impress
Although the match was outside the Betway Premiership programme, it offered Shabalala an opportunity to regain rhythm and stake his claim for first-team selection.
With the domestic season only just underway, the Chiefs midfielder will be hoping his outing in Lesotho helps him force his way back into Fernando Da Cruz’s plans over the coming weeks.