Shabba Sets Sight On 100 Caps

Experienced Kaizer Chiefs attacking midfielder, Siphiwe Tshabalala, is closing in on 100 caps for Bafana Bafana. The 29-year-old made his 85th appearance for the national team during Bafana’s historic 1-0 victory over Spain on Tuesday night, November 19.

‘Shabba’ made his debut for the national team in 2006 against Egypt. He was also in the Bafana squads that took part in the 2006 and 2008 African Nations Cup, as well as the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup squad. Perhaps the player’s crowning achievement was scoring the opening goal of the 2010 FIFA World Cup against Mexico.

That left-footed thunderbolt strike was later nominated by FIFA as contender for Goal of the Year. In his seven year career with Bafana, Shabba has managed to bag a credible 12 goals into the bargain. With the player still appearing in Gordon Igesund’s plans, it seems likely he will make a century of appearances for the national side.

Nonetheless, ‘Shabba’ is not dwelling on his achievements and is instead focusing on Chiefs’ next match against Platinum Stars in the Telkom Knockout semi-final on Saturday.

He told the club’s official website, “I would like to put the national team week behind and prepare for the TKO semi-final against Platinum Stars. This is going to be a big game. We are preparing to play and do well against them. This, to us, is like the final before the final. It is about a collective effort at Chiefs.”

Story by soccerladuma.co.za