Retired or still active? Kaizer Chiefs legend Siphiwe Tshabalala clarifies his status

Former Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana player Siphiwe Tshabalala has clarified his playing status to the media on Thursday.

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Speaking to journalists at the Discovery Walter Sisulu Soccer Challenge launch, Tshabalala was on hand to clarify his playing status. 

Tshabalala’s move to Turkey came as a shock

Tshabalala sent shockwaves through the South African football fraternity when it was announced that he would be leaving Chiefs for Turkey. A long-serving senior player in the Amakhosi set up during that period, it understandably became increasingly hard to see the winger playing for any other club, with many believing he would retire at the club.

Chiefs gave their long-serving player their blessing

However, a move abroad to the Turkish topflight was a deal even the Chiefs management understood was too good to be turned down, especially with Tshabalala having already reached veteran status. Things did not quite work out for the dreadlocked star in Turkey, however, as his newly promoted side Büyükşehir Belediye Erzurumspor found themselves going straight back down to the Turkish second tier. 

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After spending a bit of time back in the country but inactive, Tshabalala finally received a career lifeline through a move to DStv Premiership side Amazulu. However, the former Free State Stars’ player’s fortunes did not seem to change under former Bafana Bafana teammate Benni McCarthy in Durban. He was largely unavailable for the club due to both injury and illness, and by the time he was back, McCarthy had already finalized his preferred starting line up. 

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Perhaps, it then came as no surprise that Tshabalala was released by Amazulu at the end of the previous season, and his inactivity till this point at the age of 37 has prompted many to beg the question, is he still active? 

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Speaking to journalists at the event, Tshabalala was quick to clarify his playing status. 

Shabba clarifies his status

“I am Siphiwe Tshabalala, current professional soccer player,” he told journalists at the event held in Sandhurst as per Soccer-Laduma.

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Tshabalala would then go further to hint that there may already be movement on his next destination.

Hints at next move

“They will know soon,” The soft-spoken Tshabalala said when asked about his future. Where would you like to see him play next? Or do you feel he should call it a day? Feel free to comment below.