Reigning Kaizer Chiefs Player of the Season, Siphiwe Tshabalala has told kaizerchiefs.com he is not concerned about suggestions that he is ‘tired and needs to rest’, insisting that his focus is on helping the team achieve its objectives this season.

The Phiri born midfielder has come under criticism from certain sections this season suggesting that he is not playing his best football but the industrious midfielder famous for scoring the first goal in the World Cup hosted in the African soil back in 2010 might have left many eating humble pie with his performances on Saturday that earned him ‘Man of the Match’ as Chiefs thumped Wits to reach the next round of the Nedbank Cup.

“I am happy with the contribution I am making in the team. I feel that the Coach has given me a second chance and I really appreciate that. I am focusing on doing well every time I am given an opportunity to don the gold and black,” he said on Wednesday morning.

“I was happy with the ‘Man of the Match’ award on Saturday but I think credit should go to everyone for giving their best.

“In the past four games I have been involved in about four or five goals we have scored. I have played many games, I agree that in the past couple of seasons I was a bit tired but I do rest whenever I get time and I think I will rest more when we win the league. The rest when we win the league will be worth it for sure but for now I just want to contribute and help the team.

Shabba who has played 170 games for the Phefeni Glamour Boys joined the team back in 2006, paid tribute to coach Stuart Baxter; “We are doing well as players but we have to acknowledge the contribution made by the Coach. He has brought consistency to our game. He has helped us a lot as players. The spirit in the camp is high and we all want to do well this season.

“We are not there yet but we are on the right track. We need to keep our heads down and work hard because we have not won anything yet this season. No one is going to do us any favours, we will have to work hard if we are to stand up and be counted come May this year,” added Shabba.