Reflection time for Shabba
Reflection time for Shabba

Posted in News on Jun 13, 2011.

On June 11 2010 Siphiwe Tshabalala became a household name when he struck the opening goal of the 2010 FIFA World Cup South Africa for Bafana Bafana against Mexico.



A year on and kaizerchiefs.com spoke to the Amakhosi winger just past the one year anniversary of his goal as he reflected back on the goal that changed his life.

“There was no way I would forget the momentum. Some of my friends have dubbed June 11 ‘Shabba’s Day’.

Actually it is South Africa’s day, it was a magical moment when the World Cup began and it was extra special that I got to score the opening goal.”

Shabba further explained that even if he does score for Bafana Bafana at the next World Cup in 2014 in Brazil that goal against Mexico will always remain special for him.

“Scoring in your home town in front of your own fans is unique. My wish is to again score in the next World Cup it will be different, special in its own way but the strike against Mexico will always be top of my goals list.”

According to the Chiefs winger the hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup demonstrates that South Africa is capable of hosting large scale events and he would like to see more global events head to the country.

“The World Cup did wonders for our country in many ways, we showed that we can be great hosts we have the 2017 Nations Cup heading here also we should try and hosts events such as the FIFA Women’s World Cup.”

When asked how did scoring the opening goal of the World Cup change his life with all humbleness and humility he explained saying, “I never expected it to have such a positive impact on my life. Since than to this day I receive fan mail from across the World and to me that is very humbling.”

Shabba also recently participated in a photo shoot where he modelled the new Amakhosi Jersey for the 2011-2012 season, “to the fans the new Jersey will be out in July so keep an eye out for it. The shoot was fun hopefully the new strip brings us luck in the coming season and we can finish it off by winning the league.”

Share this article: