Chiefs star ready to shine

2008-09-01 09:16

Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs midfield star Siphiwe Tshabalala, is aiming to take his outstanding club form to the Bafana Bafana camp this week for Saturday's all or nothing 2010 African Nations Cup qualifier against Nigeria at the EPRU Stadium in Port Elizabeth.

Tshabalala has gone from strength to strength since his move to Amakhosi in 2007 from Free State Stars and is hoping for an early birthday present against the high flying Super Eagles. Tshabalala, who was born in Alexandra in Johannesburg turns 24 on September 25.

Tshabalala was in storming form despite Chiefs losing 2-1 in their opening Absa Premiership match against Thanda Royal Zulu at Loftus on Saturday night. His performance is something that will have pleased national coach Joel Santana who is under a lot of pressure to beat the Super Eagles.

Tshabalala, a skilful speedy winger who likes to operate from the left, is not overawed by the Super Eagles reputation or the big name stars in the squad to play struggling Bafana who have to beat Nigeria to stand any chance of reaching the next qualifying round for the 2010 continental showpiece in Angola.

Tshabalala made his Bafana debut in the 2-1 friendly win over Egypt prior to the 2006 African Nations Cup finals in that country in January.

He also played in the 2008 Afcon finals in Ghana and hopes for a third chance to play in the continent's biggest soccer event in Angola. But he knows that Bafana are going to climb above their mediocre form if they are to upset favourites and Group Four leaders Nigeria.

'I was disappointed'

Tshabalala said his confidence was sky high despite playing on the losing side for Amakhosi. "Losing a league match against Thanda was not the way I hoped to go into the Bafana camp. But I was satisfied with my performance. I was disappointed we lost as we deserved at least a point or better. But I will not allow that setback to linger. My focus is now on Nigeria."

Tshabalala has already made 18 appearances for his country and is gaining confidence with every outing.

He said the 2-2 draw against Australia in London last month will help Bafana turn the corner after their disastrous Afcon qualifying programme in June where they managed a mere four points from as many matches, which has seriously dented Bafana's hopes of playing at in Angola in 2010.

Said Tshabalala: "We showed we could hold our own against a top side like Australia. The Australians were well organised and closed us down quickly, but we managed to take a draw from that game and to me it is a big turning point. We need to bring the same fighting spirit and character into the match against Nigeria."

Tshabalala is excited by the prospect of Blackburn Rovers striker Benni McCarthy leading the attack and having the likes of German based Bradley Carnell back in the side at left back.

Said Tshabalala: "What I enjoyed was seeing the experience of the likes of Benni and Bradley who made a huge difference against Australia."

Big reputations

Tshabalala scored his only goal for his country in the 3-0 friendly win over Paraguay at the Super Stadium in Atteridgeville in March and is hoping to add to that lone goal.

The diminutive midfield powerhouse said he was not losing sleep over the individual stars that Super Eagles captain and Portsmouth striker Nwankwu Kanu, will lead to PE later this week: "We all know it is win or bust against Nigeria. We cannot afford to even think about losing. Nigeria are a big team with big reputations but we will not go there afraid of them or worrying about individuals.

"We are playing at home and have to win, therefore we will have to take the initiative and surprise them and beat them as a team. "

The fact that the Super Eagles have already qualified for the next phase of qualification for Angola might mean Nigeria will take their foot off the pedal.

Said Tshabalala; "I don't think they will take it easy against us as there is a history between the counties at soccer. They are a strong team and we have to go out there in PE and show we can be stronger." The players begin training in PE on Monday afternoon.

- SAPA