SEBOKENG.- Sedibeng Ster Sport, tracked down one of the former Sedibeng soccer finest, Daniel ‘Sailor’ Tshabalala to reflect back on his football career as an amateur and professional soccer player.
This former Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana dreadlocked midfielder is now much involved in grassroots football. In an exclusive interview with Sedibeng Ster Sport, Tshabalala reflected on growing up in Sebokeng playing soccer bare-footed on the streets of Zone 14.
Some of the amateur teams that Tshabalala played for before turning professional were Happy Stars, Zone 10 Cosmos FC, and Digaan Tshabalala’s club known as Sebokeng Real Barcelona FC. His break to the great heights came when he played for the now-defunct Vaal Ambassadors which campaigned in the Vodacom League.
Interestingly, Tshabalala told Sedibeng Ster Sport that he grew up playing with former Jomo Cosmos and Orlando Pirates goalkeeper, Avril “Chawe” Phali as an amateur player at Vaal Ambassadors FC, at Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana.
“I don’t know if this was a coincidence, but we played together with Chawe at the amateur level, professional including the national team. Both of us are still involved in the development of football here in Vaal doing what we love most. This has something to do with our passion for this beautiful game.
“Look, football made me the person I am today and that is why I’m still involved in grassroots football. I have learned a lot as a footballer playing for the national team and this made me a better player, to see football differently. Playing at club level and national level is not the same,” said Tshabalala.
Speaking to Sedibeng Ster Sport, about how he joined Pirates from Silver Stars, Tshabalala said he was recruited by the late Zodwa Khoza to entertain supporters. This was after Silver Stars beat Orlando Pirates and he was told to go and train with Orlando Pirates. To make it interesting, Tshabalala joined Pirates when the club was preparing to play against Tottenham Hot Spurs.
This is the game where Tshabalala won the hearts of the Pirates faithful when he mesmerised the Spurs players and upset them. He still remembers this game like it happened yesterday as he reflected back. Pirates made history when they beat the English giant 2-1.
Tshabalala told Sedibeng Ster Sport how he used to develop himself as a player and his level of fitness was there for everyone to see. He also revealed how he used to play for a picking team called Rocobaroco to keep himself fit. He recalled that Steve “Chippa” Lekoelea was the only professional player by then playing with them at Rocobaroco.
Before I played professionally, in the morning I would play for Rocobaroco, and in the afternoon I would go to play for my club. Rocobaroco was a make-shift team and when I turned professional, I would come to play there again to keep myself busy.”
