Siphiwe Tshabalala takes a selfie with Kaizer Chiefs supporters during the DStv Premiership match between Orlando Pirates and Kaizer Chiefs at FNB Stadium in October. (Photo: Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images)
Kaizer Chiefs legend Siphiwe Tshabalala has backed coach Arthur Zwane to come right at the club following a slow start.
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“Shabba”, as Tshabalala is widely known, says things have not turned out badly for Chiefs considering it is Zwane’s first season.
Chiefs have had a slow run this campaign with the team failing to find rhythm nor consistency in results.
This has added to the pressure on Zwane’s shoulders with a section of the supporters calling for his axing recently.
But he has the backing of Tshabalala who was a fan favourite at Amakhosi for a long while before he left for Turkey.
Tshabalala is now retired and was announced as one of the ambassadors for the Nedbank Cup last week.
He revealed his support for Zwane speaking to the media after his unveiling last Friday.
“I am very sad with the way things are but equally understanding as well,” said Tshabalala of the current state of affairs at Chiefs.
“That transition is difficult. Whenever there’s change, there will always be challenges, you have got a new coach that has been given an opportunity.
“It is his first season and there’s a lot of expectations, there are new players that came in as well. So they haven’t been consistent in that regard. ”
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Shabba says things are looking up for Zwane and his team having gone on a four game winning spree before the Fifa break.
“But I think it’s the first time this season they have won four consecutive games, which is good.
“The majority say they are having a horrible season, but when you look at the log, they are in the top-four…
“They are on the same number of games, same points with Orlando Pirates, but the focus is more on Chiefs.
“I think it’s because they know what the team can bring. They know the calibre of the team as well, hence the pressure and expectations.
“They still have a chance to win something this season, they are in the quarter-finals (of the Nedbank Cup), so it’s not over.
“So, for the coach, given an opportunity to lead the team, I think it’s not the worst season but it can still get better.”
Chiefs will return to action against Stellenbosch in a DStv Premiership match on Saturday afternoon at FNB Stadium.
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