JOHANNESBURG - Kaizer Chiefs have confirmed that Siphiwe Tshabalala will join Turkish Super Lig side BB Erzurumspor.
"Shabba", as the Soweto-born playmaker is known, has made a huge contribution to Amakhosi over the years and will take his place among the legends of the club. The midfielder joined Chiefs in January 2007 from Free State Stars.
Tshabalala has played 372 games for Chiefs, including 336. He has scored 58 goals for the Glamour Boys with the last one a beautifully taken free-kick against Baroka FC in a 1-1 draw on August 14.
The 33-year-old has won numerous trophies with Chiefs, including the league twice (2012/13, 2014/15), the Telkom Knockout three times (2007, 2010, 2011), MTN8 twice (2008, 2014) and the Nedbank Cup (2013).
On his move to Erzurumspor, Tshabalala said: “I always wanted to play overseas, in particular in Europe, and I have never been shy to talk about that. 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.
“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 for Kaizer Chiefs before my retirement."
Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung said: “We wish Shabba only the best for his future endeavours. He will always be one of us.”
— Kaizer Chiefs (@KaizerChiefs) August 28, 2018
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