Kaizer Chiefs legend, Siphiwe Tshabalala, like many others before him have seen the challenges facing players over the age of 30 in South Africa and now, he has commented on the stigma facing older players in the country.
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Shabba, 38, has faced a similar situation to the likes of Hlompho Kekana, Wayne Arendse and many others who have struggled to find clubs in the twilight of their careers.
The dreadlocked midfielder is now in his second season without a club and says the fact that he is over the age of 30 has proved to be a hindrance in his local club search.
"Definitely, I think the age factor is still an issue in South Africa. Once you reach a certain age, you are being seen as old, but the focus is not on what you can still do but it's about the age so it's still a huge factor on that," Shabba told journalists at the 2022 Walter Sisulu Discovery Tournament Launch in Sandton. Sign In
Despite the stigma facing players locally, Shabba says he has received an offer from abroad, although he turned it down to focus on his affairs at home.
"Someone sent me a text about an opportunity to play abroad but I did not entertain it. I want to focus more at home and there's a lot that I need to achieve at home, not only on the football side, but the role that I play in development as well and also the education side," he added.
Shabba last turned out for AmaZulu in the 2020/21 season.
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