Agent says move had collapsed
It took two months for Siphiwe Tshabalala’s move from Kaizer Chiefs to Turkish Super Lig side BB Erzurumspor to be finalised.
The deal was completed on Tuesday and “Shabba” has penned a two-year contract with an option of a further year.
It’s a move that no-one saw coming because the player had just renewed his contract with Amakhosi and at his age, 33, many would have expected him to retire at Naturena.
His manager, Jazzman Mahlakgane, said the negotiations had completely collapsed at some stage.
“I need to express my gratitude to Kaizer Motaung, the chairman of the club. This is pure leadership,” Mahlakgane told Sowetan on Tuesday.
“It [negotiations] started off at a certain high figure, which was not going to happen, but leadership prevailed.
“This is the moment I give glory to God. In a normal situation, this is impossible,” he said.
Tshabalala leaves Chiefs after 372 games, 58 goals and over 80 assists since his debut against Bidvest Wits in 2007.
“Shabba will play for a number of years in Turkey because his body can still carry him and he lives a clean life. Apparently, he’s a big-name signing for that club, but he’s not going there to bask in the glory, but to work,” Mahlakgane added.
During his 12 years at Chiefs, he won two league titles, numerous cup competitions, and several individual club awards.