Johannesburg - The puzzle that Orlando Pirates coach Muhsin Ertugral is putting together, to strengthen the club’s defence, might still be scrambled in some parts but one giant piece has fitted well. It has even made the picture start to take shape.
That piece is the lanky Justice Chabalala who could partner Gladwin Shitolo at centreback when the Buccaneers start their season against Golden Arrows at Orlando Stadium in seven days.
“He has a bright future,” Ertugral said. “He is strong in one-on-one situations. He needs to work on certain aspects of his game. He drifts sometimes. We need to work on that. He is a great defender in the making.”
The towering lad from Giyani cut a calm and confident figure on Saturday against Platinum Stars in Moruleng in a pre-season friendly. He was strong aerially and comfortable on the ball when the side started attacks from the back. Ertugral has been preaching that his defenders must be able to start attacks since taking over the job.
Chabalala joined the Sea Robbers ship from Free State Stars a month after Ertugral was announced as the man to take over from Eric Tinkler. Chabalala’s talent, flexibility to also play in central midfield and the fact that everyone is starting on a clean slate will help him in his fight to cement a regular place in the starting XI.
“There are many defenders here, so whenever you get a chance you must make the most of it,” Chabalala said. “The good thing is that we are all helping each other improve in our game because that can only make the team stronger. I have worked very hard in my game to be where I am, that’s why I deserve to play in the team.”
For him to play regularly, he has to be consistent in a department that has strong competition. Happy Jele, Rooi Mahamutsa, Edwin Gyimah, Shitolo and Ayanda Gcaba are the centrebacks in the club’s books. Tercious Malepe is likely to be added into that mix with the Buccaneers set to recall the national Under-20 captain.
Just after the loss to Kaizer Chiefs in the Carling Black Label Cup, Ertugral talked about bringing youthful exuberance into the defence. Chabalala might not be a teenager like Malepe (19), but at 24 he has plenty of mileage left in his legs.
If Chabalala gets the nod, he will need to work on providing cover for Thabo Matlaba at leftback when 'Festival' goes on his famous runs up the left flank.
He performed that job well in Bethlehem for Ea Lla Koto where he stabilised the defence after his introduction midway into the season. After being promoted from the reserve side in October, which he captained in the MultiChoice Diski Challenge, Chabalala went on to play 18 league matches for Stars in his debut season.
The demands and the pressure will be higher at Pirates, which means he doesn’t only have to be a good player but also strong mentally. Thankfully for Chabalala, he has a steady head on his shoulders - driven to make his father proud.
“When I signed for Pirates, he was the first person I told,” Chabalala said. “He supported me in my football career. He knew that I could make it. He made sure that I always had boots. When other kids were bought fancy shoes for Christmas, he bought me football boots. I am grateful for everything he has done for me because I am here through that.”
The Star