Lawrence Siphiwe Tshabalala (born 25 September 1984 in Soweto) is a South African professional football midfielder who currently plays for Kaizer Chiefs in the Premier Soccer League.

Early life and club career

“Shabba” or “Ntho tse Monate” was born in Seanamarena to Isaac Tshabalala and Rebecca Hadifele Makhubu (d. 2010). Tshabalala played at the Kaizer Chiefs academy but only broke through to the senior team after spells with Alexandra United and Free State Stars. In early 2007 Chiefs brought back their own product. He has since been one of the most influential players locally leading the club to several cup wins. He has endorsements with Nike, Shield and Pro-Nutro.

International career

Tshabalala made his national team debut in a friendly against Egypt on 14 January 2006.

He was part of the South African squad at 2006 African Nations Cup, 2008 African Nations Cup and the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.

On 11 June 2010, gaining his 50th cap for the nation of South Africa,[3] he scored the first goal of the 2010 FIFA World Cup against Mexico in the 55th minute. The game went on to finish at a 1–1 draw.[4] The goal later received a nomination for goal of the year by FIFA.

International goals