Kaizer Chiefs advised to enjoy ‘final lap’ against Baroka

Former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala has advised the Soweto giants to enjoy the final lap in their title chase.

Amakhosi square off against Baroka in the league finale on Saturday, and go into the fixture still in pole position, but tied on points with defending champions Mamelodi Sundowns.

Siphiwe Tshabalala’s advice to Kaizer Chiefs 

Tshabalala, who won the league title twice during his long service at Naturena, says everyone has a role to play in bringing the club’s first title in five years.

“This is the final lap,” he is quoted by the club’s official website. “It’s all about those 90 minutes. Of course, the coach will do the line-up and discuss the tactics with the team, but thereafter it’s up to the players to do the job. Everyone has a role to play, including the guys who won’t start. My advice to the players: ‘Go out and enjoy’.”

Siphiwe Tshabalala

A big occasion 

Both clubs still in the title chase have an added reason to make this particular campaign a special one after each turned 50 in 2020.

Tshabalala has cautioned the Chiefs players not to get overawed by the occasion.

“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 that they will talk with the younger guys and share their experience,” the former Bafana star added. “They will also tell their teammates, ‘forget about social media for now, let’s focus on what needs to be done on Saturday.”

Siphiwe Tshabalala

A maximum-points haul against Baroka will, in all likelihood, secure the title for Kaizer Chiefs, who are three to the good over Mamelodi Sundowns in terms of the goal-difference column.

The Tshwane outfit takes on another relegation-threatened in Black Leopards, and will need a hefty winning margin should Amakhosi also register victory in the parallel fixture.