Shabba on why Sundowns are successful.

Simphiwe Tshabalala. Image: Twitter. 

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana winger, Simphiwe Shabalala, has come out in full praise of Mamelodi Sundowns.

Shabba is highly impressed by the Sundowns scouting system, that has brought gems like Marcelo Allende, Gaston Sirino, Peter Shalulile, Cassius Mailula, as well as youngsters like Siyabonga Mabena and Ntando Nkosi to Chloorkop.

"Contrary to the statements, I would say that we can learn from the scouting system, how they run the development structures, the investment in development," Shabalala told journalists at a Nedbank Cup event, as quoted by Soccer Laduma. https://www.snl24.com/soccerladuma/local/premiership/mamelodi-sundowns/shabba-weighs-in-on-sundowns-money-debate-20230326

"And aso it's not a team that only buys, they keep on manufacturing players and promote at the right time, they introduce these players gradually, they don't just throw them in the deep end."

On the seamless integration of new players at Downs:

"I am not sure but I believe that maybe they are being taken into the induction process, so that they learn, they understand the culture of the team, they understand what success comes with in terms of pressure and expectations, hence they don't struggle when given an opportunity."

On whether Downs success is because of their huge financial muscle:

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"And also it is not about how much money you have, it's about how well you utilize the resources, how well do you invest that money that will also enable you to get good returns.

"It's about reinvesting all the time, it's a long-term project. For me I think that's what I like about the whole system that they've created and now they've become an institution."

Tshabalala's sober thoughts on Chiefs should put a rare smile on Zwane's face.

Image credit: Simphiwe Tshabalala Twitter.

Perhaps, what Tshabalala failed to mention on his comments, is how Zwane cannot be expected to build a King's Castle with mud bricks. But that is a story for another day.

Former Amakhosi star, Simphiwe Tshabalala's comments on Kaizer Chiefs, and head coach Arthur Zwane come from a sober mind.

They are not intoxicated by emotions and unreasonable expectations that Zwane has had to deal with from sections of the media, Amakhosi fans, and football pundits alike.

Chiefs have been inconsistent with their performances this season, which is to be expected from a team that is on a process of renewal.

And that is something Tshabalala has acknowledged in his backing of Zwane, a fact that some of the Amakhosi legends have ignored in their criticism of 10111.

"I am very sad with the way things are but equally understanding as well, that transition is difficult, whenever there’s change, there will always be challenges, you have got a new coach that has been given an opportunity," Tshabalala told the media as quoted by goal.com. https://www.goal.com/en-za/news/tshabalala-jumps-to-zwane-defence-kaizer-chiefs-not-horrible-not-the-worst-season/blt430e888ab3e245f0

"It is his first season and there’s a lot of expectations, there are new players that came in as well so they haven’t been consistent in that regard. I think it’s the first time this season they have won four consecutive games, which is good."

Tshabalala believes Amakhosi are not as horrible as people make them out to be.

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"The majority say they are having a horrible season, but when you look at the log, they are in the top-four, same games, same points with [Orlando] Pirates, but the more focus is on Chiefs.

"I think it’s because they know what the team can bring, they know the calibre the team has as well, hence the pressure and expectations – they still have a chance [to win something] they are in the quarter-finals, it’s not over."

It is indeed not over for Amakhosi, although their inconsistency makes it hard to believe they can go all the way and lift the Nedbank Cup, it is possible.