SIPHIWE TSHABALALA
SIPHIWE Tshabalala, 28, began his professional soccer career at 20 and made headlines when he scored the first goal of the 2010 Fifa World Cup in South Africa’s opening match against Mexico at Johannesburg’s FNB Stadium. Named 2010 Safa Footballer of the Year, he has played for Bafana Bafana 79 times. He shares a house in Joburg with his cousin and is a midfielder for Kaizer Chiefs and Bafana Bafana. I’m not worried people will remember
me as a one-hit wonder. I’m grateful that I was the person who scored the opening goal of the World Cup on home soil. It was history in the making and I was part of that. But I can’t be a one-hit wonder. For me, being in the World Cup, playing for Bafana Bafana, and for one of the biggest teams in Africa, Kaizer Chiefs, means I’m a good player, so how can I be a one-hit wonder?
Failure is one of my biggest fears. It’s an honour for me to represent my country. I believe that everything I have achieved is through God. No one taught me how to play football. I was six years old when I started playing in the streets of Soweto, where I grew up. We used stones as goalposts. From there, I played township amateur football — the first time I wore kit and played on a football field.
We weren’t rich or poor. We were just average. Growing up, I lived with my parents on my grandmother’s property. As a child, there were things I couldn’t have. I didn’t understand that my parents couldn’t afford them. If I wasn’t involved with football, I’d be a chartered accountant. I’m good with numbers. My mom was unemployed when I matriculated in 2003, so I had to choose between raising money to study further or playing football. I chose football. In 2004 I was invited to play with Free State Stars, then one of the big teams in the First Division [they are now in the Premier League]. My first pay cheque from football was for R200. My journey to get to where I am today was long and rough. I made many sacrifices. I walked more than 10km
to get to training. Sometimes I’d wait at the train station, hoping to see someone I knew who could get me a train ticket. My dad was a taxi driver until he was
hijacked. Then he retired. My mom worked in a jewellery store, polishing jewellery before it went on display. She passed away in December 2010. Losing her is a scar that will never heal. Every time I go home I’m aware that someone is missing. We were very close. She played a big role in raising me and in my career. I’m grateful she was there when I made history, not just in South Africa, but in the world. Thanks to my loving parents, I have a strong self-belief. I draw strength from my family, so I try to make time for them and my girlfriend. I have a beautiful 15-year-old sister — my only sibling. I’m very protective of her, but I don’t spoil her. I’m teaching her how to be responsible, to work hard and not to rely on other people. I want to make a name for myself in the business world. I’ve invested in a fish ‘n’ chips franchise. I look at things from a long-term perspective.
Fake people and dishonesty make me
angry. I don’t have that many friends but I do get along with people. I’ve had one friend since childhood. My friends say I’m the crazy guy in the group. They love me for who I am, not what I am. If someone has bad intentions, I cut them off. I don’t like hurting people. I’m the type of person who will give you a rope. I won’t hang you, you’ll hang yourself.
Talent is not enough. There are many talented people but where are they now? You have to work hard to stay at the top of your game. Smoking, drugs and alcohol are out. These days, football is as much a mental game as it is a physical one. I want to be a role model to the youth and show them how to stay level-headed, disciplined and focused. People want to see Shabba the superstar. Then there’s Siphiwe, the reserved, indoor guy. I like lying on my couch and having my own space where I can think. I enjoy sleeping and watching my favourite soapies, Generations and Rhythm City, and the Nature Channel.
I had to choose between raising money to study further or playing football
I love wild animals. From them we can learn survival skills, perseverance and how to provide for ourselves and our loved ones. As a celebrity, you don’t have a private life. Everyone expects you to be perfect, but you’re not. You’re human. As a role model, many people look up to you, so even if you’re having a bad day, you must still smile.
I’ve had my dreadlocks for seven years. They’re high-maintenance but they’re my trophy. I thought I would die when people broke into my house with firearms in 2010. It’s unfortunate but crime is universal. As a nation, we need to come to the party and help the police. Making that phone call when you see suspicious people can save lives.
People get emotional about football. They want to be associated with winners. We appreciate their support and passion but, you know, there will be days when things don’t go your way. We also get disappointed but what matters is what you do to change the situation. I try to take the positive out of every criticism. It helps me to become a better person, not just in football, but in life. — Leigh-Anne Hunter