JOHANNESBURG — Kaizer Chiefs have been handed a significant boost as promising young midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala continues his journey back to full fitness. The 22-year-old playmaker has successfully recovered from the surgical procedure required to repair his broken arm.
However, despite making encouraging strides in his rehabilitation, the Amakhosi faithful will have to wait a little longer before seeing the starlet back in full-contact action.
According to an insider close to the Naturena-based club, while the medical team is pleased with how the bone has knitted, Shabalala is currently restricted to non-contact training to prevent any setbacks.
“No, he is not fully [ready]. Oh yeah, he can play but he can’t make full contact. It will take a bit of time before he can fully contact. He has to wait a little bit. Relax a little bit. He needs a bit of time,” a source close to the club revealed to The African Chronicle.
The cautious approach ensures that Shabalala does not aggregate the injury as he works on regaining his match fitness and sharpness.
Shabalala’s campaign was abruptly halted during a highly physical and controversial 1-1 Betway Premiership draw against Mamelodi Sundowns.
The midfielder suffered a fractured right humerus (broken arm) late in the first half following a heavy challenge from Sundowns’ Jayden Adams. The severity of the fracture required immediate hospitalization and subsequent corrective surgery, ruling him out of the final stretch of the domestic season.
The injury came as a devastating blow to both the player and the country. Shabalala had been enjoying a stellar breakout season with the Soweto giants, racking up 36 appearances across all competitions. His impressive form had put him firmly in the plans of Bafana Bafana head coach Hugo Broos, but the unfortunate timing of the fracture ultimately shattered his dreams of representing South Africa at the 2026 FIFA World Cup.
Despite the heartbreak, the young midfielder remains highly positive. With the surgical phase now behind him, Shabalala’s focus has shifted entirely to complete rehabilitation, aiming to return stronger and reclaim his spot at the heart of the Kaizer Chiefs midfield for the upcoming campaign.
