Kaizer Chiefs may have walked away from Loftus Versfeld Stadium with a valuable point against champions Mamelodi Sundowns, but the serious injury to Mduduzi Shabalala stole the spotlight after an intense encounter on Wednesday night.
Chiefs co-coach Khalil Ben Youssef confirmed after the match that the young midfielder is expected to be sidelined for up to two months following a heavy tackle involving Jayden Adams.
“The injury is serious, and unfortunately we need to protect players more,” Ben Youssef said.
The setback comes at a crucial stage of the season, with Chiefs still battling to secure CAF Champions League qualification.
Despite the injury concern, Amakhosi produced one of their strongest performances of the campaign against the league leaders. Flavio Da Silva gave Chiefs the lead in the first half with a composed finish before Brayan Leon equalised for Sundowns after the break.
Chiefs remained disciplined under pressure and managed to hold on for a crucial draw that slows Sundowns’ march toward another PSL title.
Ben Youssef praised his players for their fighting spirit and tactical discipline against one of the strongest teams in the league.
“We approach every game like a final,” he said. “The players showed strong character tonight.”
The Chiefs mentor also singled out performances from players including Lebohang Maboe, Siphesihle Ndlovu and Monyane, while explaining that tactical substitutions late in the game helped stabilise the team.
With matches against Sekhukhune United, AmaZulu FC and Chippa United still remaining,
