Siphiwe Tshabalala has explained why the spotlight is more on his former club Kaizer Chiefs, than Orlando Pirates, despite the two Soweto giants being on par.
Chiefs and Pirates are in third and fourth place on the DStv Premiership log standings with seven games before the 2022/23 season ends.
Both teams are a distant 22 points behind Mamelodi Sundowns.
Kaizer Chiefs’ statistics are similar to that of Pirates. The two SA football giants have recorded 11 wins, and four draws and suffered eight defeats in 27 league games.
They have been inconsistent in their performances, blowing hot and cold. The Bucs started the campaign like a house on fire, winning the MTN8 title, but have since dropped.
WHY MORE FOCUS HAS BEEN ON CHIEFS
According to Tshabalala, Amakhosi are criticised because they are playing below their expectations.
“When you look at it, the majority will say it’s a horrible season. When you look at the log they are in the top four,” said Tshabalala.
“Same games, same number of points that they have accumulated with Orlando Pirates. More focus is on Chiefs simply because they know what the team can bring.
“They know the calibre that the team has hence, the pressure and expectations. We’ve got a new coach [Arthur Zwane] that has been given an opportunity; new players also came in. They haven’t been consistent in that regard.”
WINNING THE NEDBANK CUP
Tshabalala still believes the team got an opportunity to redeem themselves before the season ends.
They’re still in the Nedbank Cup; therefore, they got a chance to end their long trophy drought and bring joy to the Amakhosi fans.
“They still have a chance, it’s not yet over, they are in the [Nedbank Cup] quarter finals. I think it’s not the worst season, but it can still be better,” he added.
“I’m very sad, with the way things are, equally understanding that transition is difficult. Whenever there is change, there will always be difficulties.”
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