Newly appointed Kaizer Chiefs captain, Siphiwe Tshabalala, says having the job doesn’t necessarily give him a start in the team – but he knows he should lead by example, and this will make him work extra hard to earn a place.
“There are no guarantees, me leading the team doesn’t mean I’ll be a favourite to play. I need to lead by example, I need to work very hard and I need to be disciplined. And I’ve been doing that, being a good example,” said Tshabalala. “For me it is a challenge; if I was working hard, now I will have to work harder. I will definitely achieve that with the help of my teammates.”
Tshabalala was announced as captain on the club’s website on Tuesday, and he will be leading the team with a committee of other six players – Lorenzo Gordinho, Morgan Gould, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, Siboniso Gaxa, Tsepo Masilela and Willard Katsande.
The 30-year old winger takes over the armband from Tefu Mashamaite, who became Itu-meleng Khune’s successor after the goalkeeper was injured last season. However, both players have since been released by Chiefs.
“Both Itu (Khune) and Masha (Mashamaite) did very well. They led the team to the success we currently have. But now it is a new challenge for me this season. Obviously, new beginnings, new goals and we will work very hard. I have support from my teammates and we have a committee of good leaders, who will help make my job easier.
“We have a committee that consists of seven players. In a sense we are all captains as we are the ones who’ll look after the players’ interests and talk to management. We are the link between the players and management,” Tshabalala explained.
Shabba, as Tshabalala is affectionately known, is one of the most experienced players in the Amakhosi team. Since arriving from Free State Stars in 2007, he has earned 286 caps and scored 41 goals.
After winning the MTN 8 and the Championship title last season, the winger reckons they will have to work extra hard in the new season to make sure they retain their trophies.
“Obviously having done well last season, there is a lot expected from us. And we accept that; we are very determined to do well and improve where we didn’t do well last season. So this season is going to be huge in that we want to defend our two trophies and compete for anything else on offer.
“All the teams will be coming for us; we will be the hunted. We are ready and respect each and every opponent. Each and every game is important to us. We won’t single out any team and say this is the best team to play against. All the teams have quality and made things difficult for us last season, so this season will be the same.”
Tshabalala will lead Chiefs for the first time when they face arch-rivals Orlando Pirates in the Carling Black Label Cup at FNB Stadium on Saturday.