Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs legend Siphiwe Tshabalala reveals how his 2010 FIFA World Cup goal transformed his career. The left-footed midfielder scored the first goal of the 2010 FIFA World Cup showpiece that was staged in South Africa.
For the first time in the African continent, South Africa hosted the global football spectacle in 2010 and the dreadlocked legend remains proud. In an exclusive interview with Gauteng News, Shabba says the goal gave him global recognition and states that ‘it feels like yesterday’.
2010 FIFA World Cup: Shabba Reflects On His Thunderbolt
14 years later, the Phiri-born star in Soweto, Tshabalala explains how he feels special about the 2010 goal he scored at a packed FNB Stadium. Bafana faced Mexico in an opening match of the 2010 World Cup tournament and as they were underdogs, Shabba stunned the Mexicans.
“The goal changed my life, it’s every footballer’s dream in the entire world to play in the World Cup. It was my dream too, I dreamt about it so many times,” said Tshabalala to Gauteng News.
“I remember when it was announced that the World Cup was coming to South Africa. I was with my friend and I told him that I would play and I was going to score. I kept on dreaming about it, visualised it and I worked very hard for that dream to manifest, when it happened, it was not by chance of a fluke. It was meant to be. I deserved it because I worked for that moment.”
“I still feel like it happened yesterday and with the recognition and respect everywhere across the goal. People are commending me for the goal and some rate it as one of the best goals in the history of the World Cup. That humbles me and being a boy from the dusty streets of Phiri in Soweto.”
2010 FIFA World Cup: Tshabalala Speaks About His Dream
The humble football legend who received a beautiful pass from a counter-attack didn’t hesitate to unleash a powerful shot at goal. Between the goalposts for the Mexicans in the 2010 World Cup contest was none other than Oscar Perez who has since retired, but that day, he didn’t know what struck his net.
The 37-year-old Amakhosi and Bafana legend says the goal serves as an inspiration to young children from disadvantaged backgrounds. “I had a dream of making it big in football and when that dream becomes a reality when the whole world is watching, that becomes a success and it’s not only for me,” added Tshabalala.
“But for every kid that was about to lose hope. A child who thought it was not possible and who never believed in hard work that dreams do come true. It was a historic moment being the first country to host the tournament in Africa, the first ever World Cup in Africa and to score that goal that set the tone for the World Cup.”
“It’s a great feeling. I am truly humbled that it’s a moment that I don’t own but that belongs to the millions of people.”
While there is no certainty that the African continent will host another World Cup such as the 2010 event, Shabba will remain in the hearts and minds of many football fans.
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