Shabba eyes century
Veteran Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala (above) has once again expressed his desire to reach the elite club of representing his national team 100 times. The 32-year-old has represented Bafana Bafana 90 times, and has not given up on reaching the milestone. “Shabba”, as he is affectionately known, made his international debut over a decade ago against Egypt under the stewardship of the late Ted Dumitru. However, that dream may remain elusive as the veteran is on the wrong side of 30, and has not been considered for national duty for some time.
Bongani Zungu (above) continues to stake his claim for a place in the Bafana Bafana squad, playing regularly in Portugal for Primeira Liga side Vitoria Guimaraes. The former Sundowns midfielder was involved again on Friday as Guimaraes won 2-1 at Nacional. Guimaraes are fourth in the table and looking good for a Europa League spot at the end of the season. Zungu is also likely to feature today as Guimaraes take on Chaves in the second leg of their Portuguese Cup semifinal (they lead 2-0 from the first leg). Zungu took a while to cement his place in the Guimaraes line-up, but has now started 11 league and cup games since the end of January.
Despite their poor run of form, former Orlando Pirates defender Edward Motale says he has confidence in coach Kjell Jonevret (above), and believes the Sea Robbers will make it into the top four come end of the season. Bucs have not won a league game this year, leaving them involved in a relegation battle. “We will finish in the top four. If you look at the last four games, you can see there is something from him. He always has a plan B. Every time when they were 1-0 down, he would make a plan and get a goal back. I am confident of a top four place, even if he won’t win a trophy, I am sure he will finish in the top four,” said the legend.
According to Phakaaathi sources, senior SuperSport United players are unhappy with the possibility of coach Stuart Baxter (above) joining the Bafana Bafana camp. The club revealed, amidst speculation that they have granted the South African Football Association permission to engage Baxter, who also managed the national team between 2004 and 2005. “They are not happy because since his arrival, he has turned the team around. For the first time, they are contending for the title, and most of those young players are happy to be playing under his leadership,” the source revealed.