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“This is the last round,” says Siphiwe ‘Shabba’ Tshabalala of Kaizer Chiefs’ last game this season against Baroka FC on Saturday.
“It’s about those 90 minutes. Of course, the coach will make the lineup and discuss the tactics with the team, but from then on it is up to the players to do the work. Everyone has a role to play, including kids who don’t start. My advice to the players: ‘Get out there and enjoy.’
Amakhosi has a chance to take the Premiership title from Absa on Saturday. Tshabalala was part of the Chiefs team that won the league title in 2013 and 2015, which was the last time the Glamor Boys took the trophy.
“It is a great year for Kaizer Chiefs”, adds the former offensive midfielder, “since it is 50 years of the clubth anniversary year. However, it is essential that the player does not get tense.
“Senior players like Itumeleng Khune, Mulomowandau Mathoho, Willard Katsande and Bernard Parker have been in this situation, they have won the league. I am sure they will talk to the younger ones and share their experience.
“They will also tell their teammates, ‘Forget social media for now, let’s focus on what needs to be done on Saturday.’
‘Shabba’ was happy with Wednesday’s 1-0 win over Chippa United. “We achieved a result and that is all that counts at the moment.”
Thanks to the victory, the Chiefs now have 56 points from 29 games. The closest rivals Mamelodi Sundowns have the same number of points, although Amakhosi has a better goal difference, +21 versus +18.
The Brazilians beat the Black Leopards 3-0 on Wednesday.
Baroka was defeated 4-1 by SuperSport United, although they beat Sundowns 1-0 in the previous game. They’re down at 16th position in the league table with 28 points.
“Our guys have to dig deep as a team, that’s very important to get a result,” says Tshabalala about the meeting with Baroka.
Khama Billiat scored the only goal to help the Chiefs get past Chippa. The Zimbabwean hit the ball from very close after Samir Nurković headed a cross from Mathoho.
The Serbian has been in tremendous form this season, not only finding the back of the net 13 times, but also providing six assists for others to score.
Tshabalala likes to point out Reeve Frosler as “my favorite player. He is versatile, he has that ability to enter from the left and, when he has the ball, you know things are going to happen. It has been prominent in recent times.
“It was great to see Khama score. People have been tough on him and he got hit hard, but by scoring that goal, he sent the message: ‘I’m still Khama Billiat, I can still do it.’
Daniel Akpeyi had to miss Chippa’s match due to a concussion suffered in the previous match. Itumeleng Khune entered.
“It’s not easy to jump in if you haven’t played in a while,” Tshabalala comments, “but he showed his leadership. That’s when the experience comes to the fore … Itu may not have been a 100% fit, but he made a difference thanks to his experience and leadership. “
In Saturday’s game against Baroka, Shabba comments, “They are fighting to survive as prime minister, while we are fighting for league honors.”
The Amakhosi legend makes it clear that he will be at home, sitting in front of the television at the kick-off time on Saturday.
“In fact, I’m more nervous watching a game than when I was playing,” he confesses. “Sometimes I want to use the remote to control certain things in the match, although it doesn’t really help …”
He laughs after saying that.
Then Tshabalala adds, “Good luck to the guys and enjoy the moment. It’s an opportunity to write your own story. “
The Chiefs will face Baroka at Bidvest Stadium on Saturday afternoon. The start will be at 15:30.
Spectators will not be allowed into the stadium. The game will be broadcast live on DStv SuperSport 2 and SABC 1, with commentary via Twitter, @KaizerChiefs and various SABC radio stations.
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