At 38, age is not on his side, but Siphiwe Tshabalala, who insists that he hasn’t hung his boots is seemingly not bothered about finding a new home.
Tshabalala has not played at the highest level since October 2020, when he parted ways with AmaZulu.
For the Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs legend, it is all about getting the right offer, as he revealed that he turned down several approaches.
Tshabalala says on Monday, 21 November he rejected an overseas offer due to various reasons, including the need to remain in South Africa on non-football-related matters.
SHABBA EXPLAINS WHY HE REJECTED OFFERS
“On Monday, someone sent me a text about an opportunity to play abroad, but I didn’t entertain it,” he revealed.
“I want to focus more at home, and there is a lot that I need to achieve at home, not only football side but development as well, the role that I play and also the education side.
“I’m not yet retired. It is still the same, Siphiwe Tshabalala, is an active professional soccer player.
“I did [get offers], but I was just not comfortable, and I will continue searching.”
Tshabalala, who has played over 360 topflight matches with 55 goals and 86 assists to his name, admits that being away from the professional scene for a long time can discourage teams from knocking at his door to acquire about his services despite the vast experience.
“Being away from football for a long time [is not good], I haven’t stopped training and working out, taking care of myself,” said Tshabalala.
READY TO RETIRE
The 2010 FIFA World Cup opening game goal scorer is quite content with his achievements in the game of football.
Tshabalala stated that he will retire in peace if the agreeable offer doesn’t present itself, as he fully understands that not a lot of teams in SA will queue up for his signature at 38
“We all have ambitions, and I’m no different from that. I still have the desire to play at the highest level,” added the man known as Shabba.
“The age factor is still an issue in South Africa. Once you reach a certain age, you are seen as old, and the focus is not on what you can do and what you can still do. It is about age.
“And if it doesn’t happen [get a team], it is still okay and if I wake up the next day and decide, okay, that’s it, thank you, football, I would retire with no regrets.
“There are a lot of highs, and I’m grateful, and my heart is full, and I’m okay where I am. I don’t feel that time is running out.”
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