Kaizer Chiefs' 2-1 defeat to arch-rivals Orlando Pirates, in a Betway Premiership game where they took the lead in the opening minutes via Glody Lilepo, has been attributed to inexperience.
Chiefs' league campaign went from bad to worse as they still battle to get into the Top Eight bracket following the loss at FNB Stadium on Saturday.
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Notably, both of Pirates' goals came after errors of judgment from Shabalala, who had to cop a lot of criticism after the match.
Former Amakhosi star Frank Makua says the side's young players need to understand the importance of treating matches like the Soweto Derby with seriousness.
"Against Pirates, they made errors. The goal by Evidence Makgopa came from a counter-attack initiated by a poor pass from Mduduzi Shabalala," notes the ex-midfielder, speaking to KickOff.com.
"He attempted to pass the ball to Pule Mmodi when he could have played it to Gaston Sirino instead. He wasn't confident that his pass would reach the intended target.
"What these young players fail to grasp is that, in such matches, there's no need for fancy plays. Keeping it simple is crucial. Shabalala tried to be overly clever. He tried to be smart.
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"Also, the combination of Edmilson Dove and Zitha Kwinika was ineffective, as was the partnership of Nkosingiphile Ngcobo and Yusuf Maart in midfield. There was a lack of creativity, and Ngcobo had a particularly quiet game.
"I expected Thabo Cele to start, but it’s clear that he is one of those players coach Nasreddine Nabi is saving for the Nedbank Cup final," he went on.
The two giants do battle once more, this time in the Nedbank Cup final, at Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday.
