Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Mduduzi Shabalala has emerged as a growing influence in how Nasreddine Nabi is plotting his rebuilding mission at the club.
Shabalala has now spent three years in the first team at Chiefs with his importance highlighted by his presence this season.
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While he already had a footprint from the past two campaigns, Nabi has pushed him a step up.
So far this season, the youngster has played the most minutes of all players.
This is rather surprising considering that before the start of 2024/25, he was an attacking midfielder with a reputation of not being able to start and finish games.
Shabalala has clocked 1190 minutes ,featuring in all but one game this term.
All his 15 appearances have been starts and he has been able to put in six full shifts, scoring four goals and providing two assists.
What he has done on the field has ignited possibilities of moving to Europe with Belgium and Turkey mentioned.
There have been phone calls to his handlers slanted towards weighing up the possibility of a move to Europe, with his age (21) making him an attractive option.
In staying ahead in the minutes count, Shabalala has Yusuf Maart slightly behind him with 1186 minutes.
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Amakhosi's skipper has been involved in every match.
Rushwin Dortley has also had a noticeable presence with 1327 minutes, while Inacio Miguel has also surpassed 1100 minutes despite missing three games.