Shabba convinced he can still play in the PSL
‘Older players are discriminated’
Former Bafana midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala believes there’s an element of ageism in the PSL, saying clubs don’t consider what players aged over 30 can bring to the table.
Tshabalala has not been attached to any club since cutting ties with AmaZulu in 2021. The former Kaizer Chiefs ace is still an active player and is looking for a club.
However, now at 38 years of age, Tshabalala is finding it hard to get employed. “I did [get offers], I was just not comfortable. I’ll continue searching,” he said yesterday.
“We have ambitions, and I’m not different. I still have the desire to play at the highest level. Like I said before, if it doesn’t happen it’s still okay.
“If I decide the next day and say, okay, thank you to football, I will still be okay. There’s no regret, there’s been a lot of highs and I’m grateful and my heart is full [of joy],” he said.
Recently, there have been complaints that PSL clubs introduce players late to firstteam football, thus compromising the standard of the league. On the other side, PSL is known for tossing players who are over 30 on the side.
Tshabalala feels the league has some ageism, which is discrimination towards someone in a workplace because of their age. “I think the age factor is still an issue in SA, once you reach a certain age, you’re seen as old. The focus is not on what you can still do,” he said.
Tshabalala’s iconic football career started to take shape at Phiri Movers, and this December he’ll be cheering for them as they take part in the Discovery Walter Sisulu Challenge, which will take place in Soweto with 48 teams taking part from December 1- 23.