Captain Siphiwe ‘Shabba’ Tshabalala emerged as the Man of the Match after a sterling performance in Amakhosi’s 1-0 win over Bloemfontein Celtic on Sunday.

The midfielder’s exploits included a cross that resulted in a penalty awarded by referee Thando Ndzandzeka for an infringement on William Twala.

“I felt good after the match,” reflects ‘Shabba’ on his contribution to the win. “We had put a lot of effort in the preparations for this match.”

The clash was played before a sizeable and enthusiastic crowd at Free State Stadium.

“It was far from easy against Celtic in Bloemfontein,” reflects Tshabalala. “The pitch was heavy and it is always difficult to play Celtic in their backyard.”

There was a heavy downpour before kick-off, which resulted in a muddy field at the Free State Stadium.

Tshabalala adds: “However, we can’t allow rain or a heavy pitch interfere with our goal to get the three points. We just had to do the business.”

Looking ahead at the upcoming Cape of Love & Peace fixture against Platinum Stars – ‘Shabba’ scooped a Man of the Match award against them in the Telkom Knockout quarterfinals – the midfielder forecasts: “It is another challenge that we have to overcome. Platinum Stars are a good side, but we will take them heads-on.”

Chiefs welcome Dikwena in the second Cape of Love & Peace home away from home match this season.

This Absa Premiership fixture is scheduled to take place at the Cape Town Stadium on Sunday, January 24. Kick-Off is at 15:30.

“We are on the track,” observes ‘Shabba’, while looking at Amakhosi’s season so far. “We have a good team and we are working hard as a team. Everyone is doing his best to win matches and, as a leader, mine is to lead by example.”

Tshabalala urges the supporters to buy their match tickets on time ahead of this match. Tickets are sold at Computicket and Shoprite/Checkers outlets nationwide. The cost for a stand ticket is R60 and children under the age of 12 pay R10 per ticket.