AmaZulu have unveiled Kaizer Chiefs legend Siphiwe Tshabalala among 10 new signings ahead of the inaugural DStv Premiership campaign.
Tshabalala, 36, who has been inactive for almost 18 months after leaving Turkish side BB Erzurumspor, makes a return to the DStv Premiership having previously spent 12 seasons with Kaizer Chiefs.
Augustine Mulenga, Luvuyo Memela, Siphelele Mthembu, Limbikani Mzava, Siphelele Nene, Thembela Sikhakhane, Samnkelo Gwazela, Makhehleni Makhaula and Sicelo Mkhize are the other signing unveiled by Amazulu.
Sandile Zungu’s recent takeover of the historic club has created an immediate shake-up as they look to challenge the big three in an ambitious new project with head coach Ayanda Dlamini.
Zungu, who bought Usuthu from the Sokhela family, heads up Zungu Investment Company (Zico), an investment firm with diverse portfolios.
An unnamed source told Sowetan Live “Zungu and Tshabalala are very close. Zungu is mentoring Shabba in business as you know that Shabba is a businessman in his own right.”
AmaZulu’s first game of the 2020/21 campaign will be against Orlando Pirates. As a Chief’s player Siphiwe Tshabalala was accustomed to facing Pirates in the most anticipated game in the PSL, namely the Soweto Derby. It will be exciting to see him face-off against his old rivals.
Tshabalala’s last game in the South African top-fight was for Chiefs against Maritzburg United in August 2018.
Some Interesting Facts To Know About Siphiwe Tshabalala
- Lawrence Siphiwe Tshabalalawas born on the 25th September 1984 in Soweto.
- Tshabalala played at the Kaizer Chiefs academy but only broke through to the senior team after spells withAlexandra United and Free State Stars.
- He was the first player to make his international debut while still playing in the National First Division.
- Tshabalala made his national team debut in a friendly against Egypt on 14 January 2006.
- At 90 caps, he is the second most capped player of the South African national team and played at three African Cup of Nations editions and the 2010 FIFA World Cup, at which he scored the first goal on 11 June 2010 in the 55th minute.
- Siphiwe Tshabalala wanted to be a chartered accountant if he wasn’t a football player.
How Have The Fans Reacted?
The ex-Erzurumspor man’s return to the local game has fans excited, as could be seen by their reactions on social media.
Most fans welcomed him back to the DStv Premiership and wished him all the best. Some fans wished he had gone back to Kaizer Chiefs. One fan even begged him not to score when he plays against Chiefs.
Its certainly good to see our world cup hero back and we also wish him the best.