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Veteran Tshabalala embraces leadership role

Cape Town - Veteran Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala is keen to share his vast experience with some of his younger team-mates.

Goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is the Amakhosi captain, but the likes of Tshabalala, Bernard Parker, Ramahlwe Mphahlele, George Maluleka and a couple of others will also play their part as senior member of the Chiefs squad.

Tshabalala, who made his PSL debut in 2004 for Free State Stars and who has been with Chiefs since 2007, is keen to take responsibility.

"I've always taken it upon myself that I'm a senior player and I need to do more. When things don't go well, I also need to raise my hand and take responsibility and protect the young ones," he told the Sowetan.

'Shabba' also feels he can play a part in making new head coach Giovanni Solinas' transition into the job a little easier.

"The mentality, the thinking, is still the same. I need to push myself as well and lead through performance to help the coach (Giovanni Solinas)."

"The coach just needs to focus on his job and not on other things that are not related to football. So that's why we have a committee of senior players to help the team," added the 33-year-old.

Amakhosi begin their league campaign on August 4 against Mamelodi Sundowns, while they will take on Cape Town City this coming Saturday in the inaugural Mpumalanga Cultural Experience Cup.

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