Kaizer Chiefs have announced Siphiwe Tshabalala's move to Turkish side BB Erzurumspor.
The club took to their social media platforms to confirm the deal which had been the subject of speculation since last week.
While his agent, Jazzman Mahlakgane denied any knowledge of the deal when the news broke last week, coach Mehmet Altiparmak confirmed that the deal.
Shabba thanked the club fans for their undying support during his 11-and-a-half year stay at Naturena. He admitted that he always wanted to play overseas.
“I always wanted to play overseas, in particular in Europe and I have never been shy to talk about that. It should have happened a long time ago, but I think that it’s God’s time. I am grateful that God is giving me this huge opportunity to showcase my talent in Europe,” Tshabalala told the Amakhosi website.
The left-footed player revealed that he would like to play his final match for Chiefs before his retirement.
“Kaizer Chiefs means a lot to me. Chiefs Village will always be my home and the club will be forever in my heart. It’s my dream to play my last game as a professional player for Kaizer Chiefs before my retirement," he said.
“I also want to thanks the supporters for their Love & Peace. It has been a great ride for almost 12 years. There have been highs, there have been lows – however, I have enjoyed every minute of it.”
Chiefs chairman Kaizer Motaung also wished Shabba well in his future endeavours.
“We wish Shabba only the best for this future endeavours. Once a Khosi, always a Khosi – he will always be one of us, no matter where he is.”
The 33-year-old rose to prominence during the 2010 Fifa World Cup on home soil while representing Bafana Bafana.
He is the first player to represent feature for Bafana while playing in the National First Division (NFD) in the mid-2000's when he was given the chance by the late Ted Dumitru.
Since making his Bafana debut in 2006, Shabba went on to win 89 caps. During that time, he scored 12 goals for South Africa.
At club level, the Phiri-born player is one of the decorated players in South Africa with two PSL titles, two MTN8 titles, three Telkom Knockout Cup titles and a single Nedbank Cup trophy.
He was also named Safa's Player of the Year soon after the 2010 Fifa World Cup.
His goal against Mexico in the opening match of the global showpiece was also voted among the best for the Puskas award in 2010.
