PSL
Tshabalala: Hard work pays off
2012-04-03 14:12
Siphiwe Tshabalala (Gallo)
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Johannesburg - Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala has revealed the
secret to his success, saying it all boils down to hard work in
training.
The Bafana Bafana playmaker had been held back by a knee injury
this year, but returned to action during the Soweto derby against
Orlando Pirates in mid-March.
"Shabba", as he is affectionately known, was unable to help his
side avoid defeat to the Buccaneers, but he has put in some sterling
performances since, helping the side to within five points of
Premiership leaders Mamelodi Sundowns. The Glamour Boys are also through
to the Nedbank Cup quarter-finals.
The centre-mid also recently signed a three-year contract
extension at Naturena, and says his success in South Africa's top flight
is purely down to hard work on the training pitch.
"I was eager to play after all the 'contract talk' had come to an
end but I got injured at training," he told the club's official
website.
"It all boils down to hard work so I always push myself harder in
training. I also spend time on the gym working on my conditioning and
it is starting to pay out.
"It is important that as senior players and everyone we lead from
the front and play for the badge. There is still lot of football to be
played this season."
Looking back at the last-16 victory over Leopards, in which
Tshabalala picked up the Man of the Match award, the player was quick to
praise the team as a whole, but also warns his team-mates they will
need to reshape their focus as they prepare to take on Lidoda Duvha in
the PSL on Tuesday
He said: "It was a good performance from everyone in the team. We
need to quickly forget about this victory as we have Black Leopards
again on Tuesday."