Kaizer Chiefs: Ben Youssef hails 'smart' Maboe and centurion Shabalala
Betway Premiership
Kaizer Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has lauded the impact of Lebohang Maboe, pictured, and centurion Mduduzi Shabalala as Amakhosi continue their perfect start to the year. Photo: Backpagepix
Image: Backpagepix
Kaizer Chiefs’ co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef has emphasised the importance of Lebohang Maboe in the team setup, while also praising Mduduzi Shabalala, who recently made his 100th appearance for the club.
Maboe returned to Chiefs during the winter transfer window after honing his skills in the club’s youth ranks.
The 31-year-old was recovering from an injury when he arrived at Chiefs, which meant he spent some time in the medical room before joining the rest of his teammates at training and eventually on the pitch.
Since becoming match fit, Maboe has looked like his old self – the same Maboe who won multiple titles with Mamelodi Sundowns – as he has controlled Chiefs’ engine room and rekindled a productive partnership with Siphesihle Ndllovu.
Maboe’s contribution has inspired Chiefs to a perfect start to the year, winning all four matches across all competitions: two in the Betway Premiership and two in the CAF Confederation Cup group stage against Zesco United.
“I think Maboe is one of the important players for us; he’s a smart player and a professional for us,” said Ben Youssef of Maboe at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday, after the team’s 1-0 win over Zesco in their fourth match of the group stage.
“I’m very close to him; we discuss a lot about tactics and everything. Using him or George Matlou gives us a lot of stability as well.”
Meanwhile, attacker Shabalala was also honoured with a guard of honour and a commemorative T-shirt marking his 100th appearance for the club before the start of the match after reaching the milestone against Zesco a week ago.
Shabalala, who now has 102 appearances for Amakhosi, is one of the club’s youth graduates from recent years. His coach, Ben Youssef, has highlighted what makes the 22-year-old special and where he hopes Shabalala will go in the near future.
“Shabalala is one of the best players,” Ben Youssef said. “I think he’s performing very well. He’s very smart and professional.
“Every piece of advice that we’ve given Shabalala, he’s always ready to take it on board. I hope he continues performing well and becomes part of the Bafana Bafana team at the World Cup.”
Chiefs will be eager to maintain their perfect start to the year when they visit Stellenbosch at DHL Stadium on Wednesday night (7 pm kick-off) in the opening round of the Nedbank Cup. Chiefs are the defending champions of the Ke Yona Cup.