ONE STEP AT A TIME
TSHABALALA: AMAKHOSI CAN’T AFFORD TO GET AHEAD OF THEMSELVES High-flying Chiefs challenging on two fronts in what could turn out to be crucial month for them.
...if we maintain our work ethic and show character, then we’ll get there one game at a time.
Siphiwe Tshabalala
One hurdle at a time is how Kaizer Chiefs midfielder, Siphiwe Tshabalala wants Amakhosi to approach games in what could easily be dubbed a month of reckoning for the Soweto giants.
Chiefs will have played five Absa Premiership and two Nedbank Cup matches in 30 days by the end of April, a month their coach Steve Komphela said would determine their title ambitions for the season.
In the two games already played, the Glamour Boys have scored a perfect record, beating Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 in a league game and doing the same to minnows, Acornbush United in a Ke Yona tie last weekend.
The win against Sundowns proved vital for Komphela’s side, pushing them up to third place on the log after 22 matches, and if they can collect full points again tonight when they visit Bloemfontein Celtic at Dr Patrick Molemela Stadium, they will keep up the pace with leaders, Bidvest Wits and Cape Town City.
Tonight’s match is set for a 7.30pm kick-off, and speaking after adding the Goal-of-the-Month gong to his personal collection this week, Tshabalala said Phunya Sele Sele is another tough hurdle
Amakhosi have to overcome as they hope for at least one title this season.
“Celtic will be another tough hurdle. But if we maintain our work ethic and show character, then we’ll get there one game at a time. It’s an away game. They are not in a good position, but we are focusing on our journey,” said the former Bafana Bafana star.
“Shabba”, as Tshabalala is fondly known, said it has been a challenging season as all teams have become competitive.
“The teams that are competing for the league honours are doing well. You can see even those who are fighting to be in the top eight are also doing well, it’s the same thing with those who are in the relegation zone.
“But that shows the quality and standard of our league and football,” he said.
After tonight’s clash, Amakhosi will be in action again on Saturday evening against Chippa United before hosting SuperSport United in both the league and Nedbank Cup with a league tie against City in between.