Why Shabalala Move From Chiefs To Belgium Failed

Kaizer Chiefs teenage sensation Mduduzi Shabalala’s proposed move to Belgian club KVC Westerlo did not only fail because the two clubs could not agree on a transfer fee but also because of some important details around these negotiations, iDiski Times has learnt.

Last week, it was reported that Westerlo, who got promoted to the Belgian Jupiler Pro League, had sent Chiefs an offer of around 200 000 Euros (R3,4-million) for Shabalala’s services after the South African junior international had impressed during a two-week trial in Belgium in April, where he trained with the club’s juniors.

Shabalala had attracted the interest of Westerlo following an impressive season in the DSTV Diski Challenge where he scored a number of goals and produced some assists as well.

During the African Cup of Nations (AFCON) break earlier this year, Shabalala was also roped in to play in the invitational DSTV Compact Cup after being voted in by the fans and he impressed as he played alongside some senior players in the DSTV Premiership who were selected from other Gauteng based clubs.

The 18-year-old also recently toured Spain after he was named a Player of the Tournament during the COSAFA U17 tournament in 2020. He spent a week training with Spanish La Liga giants’ juniors Villarreal just for experience.

iDiski Times has learnt that negotiations between Chiefs and Westerlo broke down after the two clubs could not agree on the percentage of the sell-on clause and not necessarily on the transfer fee.

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At 18, and with only less than five minutes at the elite level after he made his professional debut in the last game of the season against Swallows FC, it was felt that the teen sensation still needs more time in the PSL to build his profile.

And it did not come as a surprise when he was promoted to the senior team two weeks ago and confirmed on a three-year contract.

It’s also believed that Westerlo are not the only overseas club that has been monitoring Shabalala’s services and more playing minutes in the new season under head coach Arthur Zwane in the new look Amakhosi side could help improve his profile and even attract better offers.

With the South African U20s expected to play CAF Zonal qualifiers this year under COSAFA, Shabalala is expected to be central in that team and this could also help to build his profile if the team qualifies for the AFCON U20 tournament where a top-four finish would see Amajita qualifying for the FIFA U20 World Cup.

For a talented player like the Soweto-born youngster, a good percentage of a sell-on clause is very crucial, irrespective of the amount of the transfer fee. And this is where this deal hit a snag.

Read the full interview, where Peprah also talks about the CAF Confederations Cup final defeat, how difficult his first season in South Africa was and why he believes Pirates can challenge for the title this season, in this week’s iDiski Times – you find the FREE online version here!