Cape Town - Having achieved his dream of turning soccer into a career, Siphiwe Tshabalala is now looking to leave his mark outside of the game.
Through the Siphiwe Tshabalala Foundation and as a budding businessman the midfielder hopes to live a legacy beyond soccer according to the player's website.
Tshabalala, known across the globe after he scored the opening goal of the 2010 Soccer World Cup, is now looking to give back after realising his dreams.
“It has been a wonderful journey for me regarding being a football player and I cannot wish for anything better than this. I love what I do and it is a dream come true for me." said Tshabalala .
“But now my dream is becoming more than just a reality."
"It is now my mission to give back to the community and ensure a brighter future for those after me. Football helped me to grow and learn as a person.
“I am now a business man and I have a Foundation that aims to provide the youth of South Africa with opportunities, whether it be building libraries or providing schools with sports equipment.
“I want to help the less privileged so that they can realise that there is a lot they can do in the world. They must realise that dreams do come true if you believe and work at them. I am a good example.
"I also grew up playing in the dusty roads of Soweto but look at me now.
"It is possible and with the help of those who care, together we can give the youth of South Africa a brighter future.”