Kaizer Chiefs captain Siphiwe Tshabalala joins Turkish Super Lig
Siphiwe Tshabalala Photo by Lefty Shivambu/Gallo Images/Getty Images
South African side Kaizer Chiefs confirmed the departure of team captain and winger Siphiwe Tshabalala to Turkey after 11 years at the club.
After 342 appearances in all competitions, in which he scored 55 goals and made 86 assists, Siphiwe Tshabalala said goodbye to Amakhosi fans as he joined BB Erzurumspor in the Turkish Super Lig.
“Kaizer Chiefs means a lot to me. Chiefs Village will always be my home and the club will be forever in my heart. It’s my dream to play my last game as a professional player for Kaizer Chiefs before my retirement,” the 33-year-old told Chiefs’ official website.
“I want to thank the supporters for their love and peace. It has been a great ride for almost 12 years. I have enjoyed every minute of it,” he added.
Tshabalala made his debut with Chiefs when the team faced Bidvest Wits on 31 August 2007 after being sidelined for six months due to injury when he arrived. He made huge contributions to the club’s success following his move from Free State Stars during this year.
The South African international is also known for scoring Bafana Bafana’s first World Cup goal in the first game of the tournament against Mexico at Soccer City Stadium.
By Abdelrahman Amr
