Shabba shows he’s a baller
Star outsmarted on the netball court by kids
Kaizer Chiefs star Siphiwe Tshabalala received a hero’s welcome at Phumuzile Primary School in Phiri, Soweto yesterday.
Tshabalala arrived at his former school to hand over soccer and netball kits worth R15 000. Pupils, teachers and residents, who were looking inside the school premises through the fence, cheered for their local idol, chanting his name and waving excitedly at the soccer player.
Shabba, as he is affectionately known, was accompanied by his Amakhosi teammates Brilliant Khuzwayo, Kabelo Mahlasela and Khotso Malope who were also dressed in the Glamour Boys’ colours of yellow and black.
The former Bafana Bafana winger’s presence in the area also gave local vendors an opportunity to generate some quick buck. Outside the school, there were a number of people selling food and thirstquenching beverages.
From his first stride inside the primary school, Tshabalala made himself available for pictures with the pupils and his former teachers.
The 33-year-old left-footed attacker is known for his blistering skills on the football field but he’s not as talented in netball.
His netball ability was put to the test when he played the sport with pupils, who humiliated him.
It was evident that Shabba is not a netballer, but a footballer when at one point he tried to use his feet instead of hands during the netball game.
The only thing that he mastered on the court was dancing at the end of the proceedings.
“I always love to interact with kids,” Tshabalala said afterwards.
“It’s important to give back to the community because these are the people who made us who we are today. We are role models; that must show through our actions.
“At some point, we were kids who didn’t have direction, so we must guide this generation,” he added.
The Soweto-born star also emphasised his readiness for the Nedbank Cup semifinal clash against Free State Stars at the Moses Mabhida Stadium on Saturday (8.15pm), which is Chiefs’ only chance to avoid another barren season.