Kaizer Chiefs legend Zebulon Nhlapo has said Mduduzi Shabalala and Asanele Velebayi do not have much confidence at the moment after they failed to convert clear chances in the CAF Confederation Cup second-leg match against Red Arrows.

Chiefs beat Red Arrows 1-0 in normal time at Moses Mabhida Stadium to level the aggregate score at 1-1. The tie then went to penalties, where the Soweto giants lost 3-2 and crashed out of the competition. Nhlapo pointed to the way the two young players took their opportunities as the main reason Chiefs could not finish the job in the 90 minutes.

In the 79th minute, Shabalala was left with an open goal after a cross from Siyabonga Vilakazi. Instead of placing the ball into the net, he shot over the bar. Later in the same half he found himself one-on-one with the goalkeeper but again failed to score. Velebayi also had a good chance in the 86th minute after good work from Ethan Chislett, but he sent his shot high over the crossbar.

Nhlapo said the players panicked when they got into good positions. “They do not have much confidence at the moment,” he explained. “When you get the ball in the box you must take your time and pick a spot. They rushed their shots and that is why they missed.”

The former Chiefs man believes the two attackers still have time to improve if they are given regular game time. He said coaches should not drop them after one or two bad games because young players need experience to learn from their mistakes. Nhlapo added that the same composure will be needed when Chiefs face Orlando Pirates in the Soweto Derby.

Many fans have been critical of the missed chances, saying Chiefs should have sealed the tie long before penalties. Nhlapo’s comments show he understands the pressure on the young players but still expects them to handle big moments better as the season continues. For now, the focus shifts back to the Premiership, where Chiefs will need their attackers to be more clinical in front of goal.

Source: https://x.com/KickOffMagazine/status/2114810122425745525