Kaizer Chiefs defender Given Msimango believes his hard work is starting to pay off as he has become a regular starter of late in the Amakhosi side.
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The 27 year-old centre back had a difficult period in his first season under Nasreddine Nabi, not playing at all between December and March.
Msimango’s Chiefs chance
A serious injury to Bafana centre back Rushwin Dortley, however, opened the door to more opportunities for Msimango, and he has proved a key member of the Chiefs first team since the beginning of March.
That all peaked for Msimango when he partnered Edmilson Dove at centre back in the Chiefs side that stunned Mamelodi Sundowns 2-1 on Sunday to reach the Nedbank Cup final.
“I am personally in a good place, putting in the hard work on and off pitch and I am confident in my contribution to the team,” said Msimango.
“It is always about improving and staying consistent. I believe the focus is starting to show in my performances and I am looking forward to maintaining (that).”
Chiefs will resume their Betway Premiership campaign on Saturday when they visit Chippa United at the Nelson Mandela Bay Stadium in Port Elizabeth. Chiefs face a challenge to qualify for next season’s MTN8 and Chippa are one of the sides who could sneak past them in the table.
MTN8 battle
The Chilli Boyz are currently just a point behind Chiefs in ninth place, with two games in hand.
Chiefs have already beaten Chippa twice this season, with a 1-0 Premiership win at home on December 29 followed by a 3-0 win in the Nedbank Cup last 16 on February 15.
“Chippa are a very competitive side, structured and disciplined,” added Msimango.
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“We faced them in the league and came out victorious and in the cup we got one over them. That doesn’t take away from the fact that we need to be fully concentrated (on Saturday). But we have studied them again and are ready to match their intensity and energy on the day.”
