Siphiwe Tshabalala produced one of the most famous World Cup moments in the competition's history. Now, 16 years later, the South African winger remains active in football and community work.
What is Siphiwe Tshabalala doing now?
Tshabalala has authored children's books and participates in the FIFA Player Executive Programme. He also runs community initiatives, such as delivering school shoes to disadvantaged children. The former winger frequently takes part in matches featuring continental football legends and recently visited Harvard Business School in Boston, USA, though it is unclear if this is a permanent move.
His iconic goal and pride
Speaking to FIFA in 2020, Tshabalala said: 'That was always going to be the biggest goal in my career, no matter what came after, because it touched so many lives and brought joy to so many people. I'll always love it – it's beautiful – but the goal is bigger than me as an individual.' He added: 'Although it happened ten years ago, it still feels like yesterday because I get reminders and messages from people about it every single day.'
Technique behind the strike
Discussing his goal, Tshabalala explained: 'I actually thought at first about lobbing or chipping it because the keeper was off his line. Thankfully I thought twice and decided for power instead. And as I was about to hit it, the ball took a very slight bounce off the ground. That helped, I think, and the connection was so good that as soon as the ball left my foot I knew it was going in.'
Career journey
Tshabalala began his footballing journey with South African club Free State Stars, before moving to Kaizer Chiefs, where he spent a decade between 2007 and 2018. A brief spell in Turkey with BB Erzurumspor followed, after which he returned to his home country to play for AmaZulu before retiring. He made his international debut in a friendly against Egypt in January 2006 and featured in the South African squad at the Africa Cup of Nations in 2006, 2008 and 2013, as well as the 2009 FIFA Confederations Cup.
