Born in Phiri Soweto, ‘Shabba’ as the player is affectionately known in football circles shrugged off competition from top sports personalities including AB de Villiers (cricket) and Natalie du Toit (swimming).

The 2008/2009 Kaizer Chiefs Player of the Year attained a legendary status in South African football when he scored the opening goal during the FIFA World Cup held in South Africa last year and early this month he was granted an opportunity to wear the captain’s armband for the first time in a crucial African Cup of Nations qualifier against Egypt in Cario.