Shabalala’s situation at Naturena… Westerlo give up on Shabalala pursuit

It’s understood, as per Siya sources in the know, that the interest Belgian topflight side KV Westerlo showed in Kaizer Chiefs youngster Mduduzi Shabalala over a year ago has now completely collapsed.

News of the pursuit broke in July last year following the player’s debut for the senior team under then interim coach Arthur Zwane, with Westerlo inviting the Amakhosi academy product for a trial.

Soccer Laduma can confirm there was an offer on the table to sign Shabalala on loan for a season with an option to buy him outright at a later stage, but Chiefs declined the bid as they preferred to hold out for more.

Westerlo then suggested an obligation proposal to pay R4 million for Shabalala’s services, adding they were also prepared to add another R2 million in bonuses should the player manage five official matches for at least 45 minutes in the Belgian Pro League, while promising a future sale of 15 percent.

The Soweto giants, who would have benefited immensely from a FIFA solidarity as well as training and compensation fee for developing the player, rejected the deal.

Siya sources have indicated the Glamour Boys were holding out for R20 million in today’s exchange rate.

It came as no surprise that the club then offered Shabalala, who turns 20 in January, a three-year contract and he was further snapped up by veteran agent Mike Makaab for Prosport International to handle his affairs.

Westerlo have now walked away and given they are currently fighting for relegation, it’s not expected they will revive the interest.

Chiefs turn down another Mdu approach

The Siya crew reported last week that Mduduzi Shabalala had emerged as a transfer target of Moroccan giants AS FAR, with the Nasreddine Nabi-coached side keen on the teenager.

It’s understood AS FAR had gone as far as making an informal approach to Kaizer Chiefs, where the young attacker spent most of his years as a youth development product before his promotion to the first team last season.

But indications from Siya sources are that Amakhosi have declined a potential move, with the latest coming out of Naturena being that the Glamour Boys are keen on holding onto the player.

The 19-year-old has featured prominently off the bench for both Molefi Ntseki, who has since departed, as well as Cavin Johnson who was named as his replacement on an interim basis.

Siya sources have suggested AS FAR will continue to keep an eye on Shabalala, whom they rate highly despite being in the process of still making his mark on the local scene.

It is not the first time the Soweto giants have turned down an advance for the Senaoane-born star, as stated in the Siyagobhoza story above.