Posted in News on Jul 23, 2008.
The team then rushed to the hotel to be ready for the first training session at the local Nelson Mandela Metropolitan University.
Siphiwe Tshabalala together with his teammates acknowledged that the game against Orlando Pirates presents them with an opportunity to have bragging rights over the Ghosts. Chatting to kaizerchiefs.com the player affectionately known as Shabba said he put his Bafana Bafana disappointments aside and is now fully focus on the Vodacom Challenge. He was instrumental as Chiefs surprised Manchester United at Newlands on Saturday afternoon.
“I was obviously disappointed when I did not take any part in the qualifying matches in June. I have not given up on the national team though and the Vodacom Challenge provides one with an opportunity to continue working hard so as to reclaim my position in the team. The national team coach told me that he will give me a chance. I have now put that aside because I am focusing on the upcoming game against Orlando Pirates on Thursday night” he said.
“This game against Orlando Pirates is very important for our preparations for the upcoming season. It is important that we do well. I have not played for almost two months when I played against Manchester United but was satisfied with my contribution.
Together with my teammates we are looking forward to the game. We watched the Pirates game last night and they are looking a much better side now. I am sure people will enjoy tomorrow’s derby. Pirates have a great team but we also have a formidable team with young and fresh players. I have no doubt we can match them pound for pound. We stand a very good chance to win if we continue doing what we did against Manchester United” he concluded.
The winner between the two sides will meet Manchester United in the sold out final in Pretoria, Saturday 26, 2008.
