Siphiwe Tshabalala who was the biggest winner told guests on Thursday night Players’ Awards that the Kaizer Chiefs faithful should expect a ‘much more improved performance from him and his teammates next season’.

The Soweto born midfielder known in football circles as “Shabba,” bagged six awards last night including the Main Award, Player of the Year that was accompanied by a cheque of R80 000 and luxury car from Nissan.

“I want to thank the Management, Technical Team, my teammates, and most importantly the supporters for all the support they have given us this season,” he said after accepting the award.

Tshabalala was a driving force behind Chiefs winning the MT8 back in September and his goals were crucial as Chiefs challenged to put up a gallant fight in the league campaign.

“My wish in the beginning of the 2008/2009 season was to stay injury free and my prayers were answered on that…I put a lot of hard work at training. I was not satisfied with my goal tally and spent time at training doing finishing drills. I am hoping to improve and score more goals next season,” said the visibly delighted Siphiwe Tshabalala who was given time off from the Bafana Bafana camp to attend the Club’s end of the season function.

Tshabalala joined Kaizer Chiefs back in 2006 after impressing during the African Cup of Nations but was forced to sit out for six months after having an operation.

“I am grateful both to the Chairman, Mr. Kaizer Motaung and Football Manager (Bobby Motaung) for the support they gave me when I arrived here. I wanted to play immediately but they were patient with me and never rushed me. I told myself that this season I will have to repay them for the confidence they showed in me from day one. I would like to dedicate my performances this season to them.”

I am happy but I am not satisfied…I believe that as a collective we can achieve more as the team. We have a very united squad and we all can’t wait for the next season,” said Tshabalala adding that his family was also very supportive especially when the chips are down.

“If you remember after Bafana Bafana game against Paraguay I was dropped from the national team. I watched most games from the stands and it did hurt. I used that as a motivation to put lot of work at Club level. I am grateful to my family and friends who were also very supportive.”

Shabba told kaizerchiefs.com that he is now ready to focus on the upcoming Confederations Cup starting 14th June, “I am always ready to play and I am sure everyone here in the camp is looking forward to what promises to be a great spectacle for football fanatics in the country and those who will be coming from abroad,” concluded the player who has earned himself a nickname “Ntho tse monate” (Nice things).