Agent: Why Siphiwe Tshabalala's move to Crystal Palace never materialised

‘A dream doesn’t become reality through magic, it takes sweat, determination and hard work’

One of South Africa's most famous agents Jazzman Mahlakgane, used former United States of America National Security advisor Colin Powell’s words as he detailed Siphiwe Tshabalala’s recently completed two-year-deal with Turkish side Erzurumspor and the peaks and valleys of his career journey.

After the 2010 Fifa World Cup, Mahlakgane received a lot of critics for his reported failure to crack the elusive overseas market for his clients.

Players like Tshabalala, who scored the opening goal of the of the 2010 World Cup,  Itumeleng Khune and Teko Modise were expected to secure overseas deals but it would not come into fruition.

At the time Shabba was invited for a trial with Crystal Palace but failed to captivate the technical team.

Although in 2016, another one of his clients, Tefu Mashamaite did ink a deal with Swedish side BK Hacken, Mahlakgane confessed to Goal that Tshabalala’s move has been his best ever experience.

“In 2012 I was a laughing stock, people uttered every word you can think of," Mahlakgane told Goal.

"Today I can proudly say my tears have been wiped away. I can fall, Tshabalala’s move will open doors for other guys," he added.

“What I mostly like about myself, whenever I am signing a player, I don’t promise heaven and earth but i used to say, determination and hard work eventually pays. That is what is happening to Shabba. He did everything, he is a diligent worker. To other guys, keep pushing, your time is around the corner,” said the agent.

Furthermore, Mahlakgane revealed why Tshabalala’s move to Palace failed to materialise.

"Actually Palace were interested in Shabba’s services, the problem then was peanuts they were offering him. They wanted to paid him R200 000 monthly. After deductions he would only be left with R100 000. We couldn’t accept that. The nice thing about me, if there is a pending deal I’ve always involved my players," he revealed.

Meanwhile, Mahlakgane also expressed his delight due to the way Erzurumspor fans have welcomed his client.

“Tshabalala is famous and respected on that side. During his first training session I was there. You wont believe, the training stadium was packed by die-hard supporters. Erzurumspor boss Mehmet Altiparmak has even roped him in his technical team,” Mahlakgane concluded.