Some Kaizer Chiefs fans have blamed Mduduzi Shabalala following the club’s disappointing early elimination from the CAF Confederation Cup.

Amakhosi were knocked out by Zambian side Red Arrows after losing 3-2 on penalties in the second leg of their second preliminary-round tie in Durban on Friday.

Having suffered a 1-0 defeat in the first leg in Zambia, Chiefs needed a win at home to keep their hopes of progressing to the group stages alive.

They managed to level the aggregate score at 1-1, with Bradley Cross finding the back of the net to force a penalty shootout.

However, Chiefs had opportunities to extend their lead before the match went to penalties, with Shabalala failing to convert two clear chances that could have put the Soweto giants in a stronger position.

Those missed opportunities proved costly as Amakhosi ultimately bowed out of the competition, leaving supporters frustrated with the team’s performance.

Following the disappointing defeat, fans took to social media to voice their frustrations, with some singling out Shabalala for criticism while others questioned the club’s overall direction.

Chiefs fans blame Mdu Shabalala for CAF exit

@Hybreed wrote: “Whoever cursed Kaizer Chiefs, we’re sorry.”

@lucaskagiso added: “Serves us right. I am glad we are out. Don’t want false hopes. Now its up to you KC management to see what you do with this deadwood and clueless technical team.”

@KB_Ramasimong was particularly critical of Shabalala, writing: “Mdu Shabalala …. That guy is a Kwamahlobo type player, he is not improving. How many years has he been missing CLEAR ONE ON ONE chances?….. Even last season he was one of reason we didn’t make KO.”

However, not everyone agreed with the criticism directed at the midfielder, with @MakuaKgothatso highlighting his importance to the team.

“According to most of Kaizer Chiefs fans, when a player miss a clear chance, he is a cow and he does not deserve game time. Without Mdu Shabalala, Chiefs is not functioning,” the supporter wrote.

Chiefs must now turn their attention back to domestic competition after another disappointing result on the continental stage, while the defeat is likely to intensify scrutiny of the team’s performances and the technical team’s decisions.