PSL

Shabba: I Wanted To Retire At Chiefs But…

20 Nov 12, 2020 - 05:32 pm

By Soccer Laduma

When he returned from Europe there was expectation from fans that Siphiwe Tshabalala would rekindle his love affair with Kaizer Chiefs, a club where he spent 12 glorious years. Now with AmaZulu, Shabba has opened up on his failed Chiefs reunion.

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There was an air of excitement last month when Tshabalala was unveiled as a marquee signing under the leadership of new AmaZulu owner Sandile Zungu.

It has been almost two years since the Chiefs legend realised his dream of playing abroad when he left Mzansi shores to ply his trade in Turkey for BB Erzurumspor.

After one season abroad, contractual issues saw him return to his country of birth, and speaking to Soccer Laduma edition 1199, the 36-year-old opened up on why his return was not to Naturena. He also opens up on his ambitions with a new-look Usuthu.

“Yes, I wanted to. When I left, I said I would love to come back and end my career there, but unfortunately, it was not the case. I had to make peace with a lot of things and be in a position where I am happy and I am grateful. The setbacks should not be greater than the achievements and great career.

“I am grateful and the opportunity I have now is a big one, to play for Usuthu. This team is going to change. It’s growing and this team, in future, is going to be amongst the best in the country and I want to be part of that project from the beginning. I joined Usuthu because I wanted to, not because I had to. There’s a difference. I was not under pressure. It’s a decision that came from a good place. It’s a case of here’s this opportunity, let me go and take it.”

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Shabba maintains that there is no bad blood with him and Chiefs despite a possible deal not working out.

“In the beginning, there were talks. Jazzman (Mahlakgane, Shabba’s agent) did reach out at some point and then, after that, there was the ban as well. It also played a huge factor.

“But there’s no bad blood, we are good. I have a good relationship with 'Bobsteak' (Bobby Motaung) and Kaizer (Motaung) Jnr. There’s no bad blood,” Shabba added.

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