George Maluleka has revealed that Kaizer Chiefs teammates Siphiwe Tshabalala and Willard Katsande has helped him regain his form ahead of the PSL encounter against Polokwane City.

Maluleka has always been highly-rated, but his major downfall has been his lack of consistent performances. Maluleka turned on the magic, notching up the man-of-the-match award in Chiefs’ 3-0 victory against AmaZulu in the Telkom Knockout last-16.

The midfielder highlighted the positive impact that Tshabalala and Katsande have had on his recent performances, in addition to crediting coach Steve Komphela.

“A lot of hard work has really contributed in my form,” he said in a press conference.

“The coach has had a couple of chats with me. My fellow teammates, especially Willard Katsande, has been very influential, and Shabba (Siphiwe Tshabalala) as well.

“Most of the senior players have played a role in my performances this season. I think the team as a whole know how to get the best out of me.

“We always try and encourage each other. You know if I’m consistent, then I can help the guys and the team. So I’m very thankful to the guys. They are the ones that have pushed me,” he added.

Maluleka spoke of the threat that Rise and Shine pose to his team’s good run of form.

“It is going to be a difficult one against Polokwane City. We are working very hard. We will now go back to the drawing board.

“It won’t be easy, but Polokwane’s stadium is one of our happy hunting grounds. We want to do well there as well.

“It has been two seasons now. Obviously we want some sort of silverware. We want to go all the way [in the Telkom Knockout]. Whatever is out there, we want to take it,” he added.

When quizzed about his lack of appearances (six) for Bafana, the Chiefs man said that he isn’t dejected that he got more caps under his belt. Maluleka also gave Bafana his backing in their bid to qualify for the 2018 World Cup.

“Not at all, not at all, I’m not disappointed.

“I think the guys are doing well at the moment, which gives me an opportunity to work hard, look at myself in the mirror and see where I can improve as a player.

“But disappointment, no! I have the full support of the Amajita (guys). I’m a friend with most of them. So like I said, it is an opportunity for me to work on my game and grow better as a player,” he concluded.

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