Kaizer Chiefs legend Siphiwe Tshabalala admits he’s sad about their situation but feels all is not doom and gloom in Arthur Zwane’s first season as head coach.
Chiefs have suffered an inconsistent campaign which sees them out of the title race and 22 points behind league leaders Mamelodi Sundowns.
They were knocked out of the MTN8 by losing finalists AmaZulu and while it’s caused for mixed opinions from the fan base over Zwane’s future, ‘Shabba’, feels something can be salvaged.
“I’m very sad with the way things are but equally understanding as well, 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,” Tshabalala said at the Nedbank Cup event at Koka in Soweto on Thursday morning.
“It’s 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. I think it’s the first time this season they have won four consecutive games, which is good.”
Chiefs still have the chance to secure CAF Champions League football with seven league games remaining as they trail second-placed SuperSport United by two points, something the two-time league winner was cognizant about, added to the Nedbank Cup chance.
“The majority say they are having a horrible season, but when you look at the log, they are in the top-four, same games, same points with Pirates, but the more focus is on Chiefs.
“I think it’s because they know what the team can bring, they know the calibre the team has as well, hence the pressure and expectations – they still have a chance [to win something] they are in the quarter-finals, it’s not over.
“So for coach [Zwane], given an opportunity to lead the team, I think it’s not the worst season but it can still be better.”
