Soweto Giants Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed the departure of winger Siphiwe Tshabalala (33) to Turkish Super Lig side BB Erzurumspor after 11 years at the club.
In those 11 years at Naturena, Tshabalala made 372 appearances scoring 58 goals in a wonderful career at the club.
Tshabalala is also most famous for scoring Bafana Bafana’s first goal of the Fifa World Cup which was hosted by South Africa in 2010 against Mexico.
Tshabalala is believed to have signed a two-year deal with the Turkish club, with an option to extend for a third year.
Tshabalala thanked Kaizer Chiefs and their fans for a great 11 years.
Shabba leaves for Turkey
Captain, Siphiwe Tshabalala is leaving Kaizer Chiefs to join Turkish Super Lig side BB Erzurumspor
“I want to thanks the supporters for their Love & Peace. It has been a great ride for almost 12 years. I have enjoyed every minute of it”#ThankYouShabba pic.twitter.com/KzO0Mbs5UD
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) August 28, 2018
The 33-year-old has won numerous trophies with the Glamour Boys, including the Absa Premiership (2012/2013, 2014/2015), the Telkom Knockout (2007, 2010, 2011), MTN8 (2008, 2014) and the Nedbank Cup (2013).
“I always wanted to play overseas, in particular in Europe and I have never been shy to talk about that,” said Tshabalala about his move to Erzurumspor as quoted by the club’s official website.
“It should have happened a long time ago, but I think that it’s God’s time. I am grateful that God is giving me this huge opportunity to showcase my talent in Europe.”
Tshabalala continued: “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.
“I also want to thank the supporters for their Love & Peace. It has been a great ride for almost 12 years. There have been highs, there have been lows – however, I have enjoyed every minute of it.