Although much has been expected from the 22-year-old, he has ended up attracting more criticism than praise. After wasting quite a number of chances against Stellenbosch in a Nedbank Cup encounter, his performance was again negatively scrutinised. But there is hope for the South African star; he has been tipped to become a top goal scorer and even a dependable Bafana asset.
The Group D leaders face the White Knights at Suez Canal Authority Stadium in Ismailia, Egypt, without some key players. Inacio Miguel is out injured, while another versatile defender, Aden McCarthy, is suspended. The Glamour Boys' technical team has to come up with an effective plan to ensure they don't suffer defeat.
The Bafana Bafana international has not had it easy with the Glamour Boys' supporters since the elimination from the domestic competition. He has been a target of a section of the fans, especially on social media, for failing to take the opportunities created, which, in the end, cost the team dearly.
As Amakhosi endure a low rate of conversion of created chances into goals, the 22-year-old found himself on the receiving end of criticism for clear opportunities missed against Stellies. The wasted chances proved costly for the Soweto giants as they dropped from the competition and lost a trophy they won last season. Given that Chiefs are hunting for trophies, Shabalala, as one of the playmakers, needs to improve and help the team achieve their ambitions.
The Soweto giants are now occupying Group D top spot after edging their Egyptian visitors 2-1 in a CAF Confederation Cup match at Peter Mokaba Stadium on Sunday. It was a crucial victory for Amakhosi as they now go into the final group game against Zamalek with fate in their hands.
The Glamour Boys host the Green Eagles in South Africa, aware that a win will give them a massive chance to make the knockout phase. The Soweto giants have won four out of the last five games across all competitions, and will be aiming at making it three in a row in Group D of the annual CAF inter-club competition.
The Soweto giants have come under growing criticism for their lack of cutting edge in front of goal. Much of the scrutiny has been aimed at both the forwards and midfielders, whose struggles to convert chances have raised concern. There are now fears that the continued bluntness in attack could derail their campaign and leave them empty-handed at the end of the season.
The midfielder finds himself in an Amakhosi side that has struggled to supply players to the South Africa national team, while teammates Inacio Miguel and Glody Lilepo have also lost their places in the Angola and DR Congo teams, respectively. However, the 22-year-old has remained in contention at international level under the watch of Bafana Bafana coach Hugo Broos.
The versatile midfielder has had a tough week in the wake of Amakhosi's elimination from the domestic annual competition. The Bafana Bafana international had some massive opportunities to put his name on the score sheet but failed to capitalise on them. However, his compatriot has stood firm in his defence, insisting it is common in football.
The Soweto giants set the ball rolling in their quest to defend the most prestigious knockout competition in South African football. They come up against the Cape Winelands side, who booted them out of the Carling Knockout in October 2025 and would want to avoid another upset at the hands of the same opponents when the two teams meet on Wednesday.
The 22-year-old midfielder clocked 100 official matches for the Soweto giants when they edged ZESCO United 1-0 in a CAF Confederation Cup tie at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Sunday. He came on as a second-half substitute to play the last 32 minutes, but could not score or provide an assist on his career special day. He reached the century milestone when his Orlando Pirates opposite number is now on 108 appearances for the Buccaneers with 20 goals and 26 assists.
With a slot in the quarter-finals looking possible, it means Amakhosi will deal with a more congested calendar going forward. The Glamour Boys are also firmly in the Premier Soccer League title race, meaning their focus is divided as the season hits a crucial stage. The Nedbank Cup campaign also awaits the Soweto giants later, and it is a competition they will not want to lose, but can they withstand the pressure that comes with congested fixtures?
The Sea Robbers did everything within their power on Saturday evening at the Orlando Armstel Arena to silence Dikwena Tsa Meetse in the South African top-tier outing. It was a massive victory that saw the Buccaneers overtake traditional rivals the Glamour Boys on the table. Abdeslam Ouaddou's men are now on 32 points, the same as log leaders, Mamelodi Sundowns, who have played a game more.
As the season gathers momentum after a brief break owing to the Africa Cup of Nations finals, Amakhosi will be in league action again just days after facing ZESCO United. The CAF Confederation Cup result against the struggling Zambian giants saw the Glamour Boys register back-to-back wins across competitions. Against Gallants, they face a side that last registered a league win in mid-October last year.
After resuming their Premier Soccer League campaign with a slim victory over Golden Arrows, Amakhosi turn their eyes on the continental competition. In two games in Group D, the Glamour Boys are third, and only a win away from home will help them boost their chances of reaching the knockout stage. However, the Zambian giants, although they are struggling this season, are expected to give them a challenge, especially since they will enjoy massive home support.
After failing to collect maximum points in their last two games before the Premier Soccer League took a break in December, Amakhosi resume the campaign with some pressure on their shoulders. On paper, their game against Chippa United was expected to be an easy one given the Chilli Boys' poor form this season; however, the Soweto giants were forced to share points after a goalless draw. The Glamour Boys dropped more points when they were held to another goalless draw by TS Galaxy.
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