Age just a number for Shabba, says Jazzman

Cape Town - Siphiwe Tshabalala's agent Jazzman Mahlakgane expects the former Kaizer Chiefs midfielder to enjoy at least three successful seasons in Turkey.

Tshabalala was on Tuesday confirmed as having signed for Turkish top-flight club Erzurumspor, at the advanced age of 33.

However, 'Shabba', a model professional who was recalled to the Bafana Bafana side last year after a three year absence, was in excellent form for Amakhosi last season and has showed no signs that age is catching up to him.

Mahlakgane has revealed that his client has effectively signed a three year deal, and he sees no reason why the Bafana international will not continue to perform at optimum levels.

"I can confirm to you that we've got a two plus one, so it's a two-year contract with an option for one to renew," he told KickOff website.

"So I think if you ask me, yes it's a three-year deal if you like because at Kaizer Chiefs we had a one-year deal.

"I think this move was a well calculated move because at 33 to be bought by a club in Europe, that means there is something special about this boy."

Mahlakgane feels that a new challenge could also serve to energise Tshabalala.

"I will call it a fresh start because he's been with Chiefs for 12 years, what else can he do that he has not done?

"He's been with Bafana Bafana, he has scored goals in the World Cup. So if you think about it, locally, he has done everything else.

"The only thing left was for him to retire, so we can't wait for retirement. When this thing happened, it was a good challenge, it was a new challenge. We had to really appreciate it and thank God for it again for what happened."

According to Mahlakgane, Shabba could be set to make his debut in Turkey as soon as this weekend.

"I don't even wanna start talking about celebrating because firstly for him work starts tomorrow. He will attend training upon his arrival, they want to use him over the weekend.

"I think age is just a number with the potential that Shabba has. I think he's gonna be there for a very long time."