Shabba: Chiefs need to keep pace with Sundowns

Cape Town - Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala believes the league race is wide open, although he admits that Mamelodi Sundowns are in danger of pulling clear of the chasing pack.

At present the title chase looks like being one of the tightest ever - just ahead of the half way stage with only eight points separating the top eight. 

"Ever since I've been a professional in the PSL I don't recall this happening‚" said Tshabalala. 

"I think the league has been kind to a lot of teams‚ including us‚ whereby we drop points and we're still not far from the log leaders. but it soon will change because once teams hit consistency there’s danger." 

Three consecutive wins for Sundowns in the last 10 days has, however, allowed the Tshwane side to pull five points clear of Orlando Pirates at the top (the Glamour Boys are one point further behind), which 'Shabba' admits is a concern. 

"Sundowns are one team who, when they start winning and collecting points, get very dangerous," he added. 

"The league is still open. Sundowns are showing their intentions of going all the way and we must wake up now, start winning games and find momentum." 

The 33-year-old says consistency will be the key factor in the fight for league honours. 

"I think the slow start tells you one thing that consistency is very key and that is a challenge for most of the teams. Once you're consistent, you definitely have a better chance of winning the league. 

"It's still our challenge that we're not consistent, but I think it's something that we need to work on next year."