Shabba recalls how knee injury almost cost him Kaizer Chiefs deal

Shabba is one of the two longest serving members in the current Amakhosi with over 300 appearances to his name

Kaizer Chiefs midfielder Siphiwe Tshabalala has reflected on his 10-year stay at the club, saying it wasn't as easy as it seemed in the beginning.

Shabba carried a knock when he first joined Amakhosi in January 2007, and although he had fears that his contract would be terminated, Bobby Motaung encouraged him and told him to focus on his career.

"When they broke the news that I had a (left) knee problem, I thought that was the end of my dream," Shabba told the Amakhosi website.

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"I signed the contract and went for medical tests. It was then when I thought things could have gone pear shape. I was convinced that the news of the knee problem would mean that Chiefs was going to terminate the contract," he said.

"I took the news bravely though. I was happily surprised to receive the support from Kaizer Chiefs. Football Manager Bobby Motaung encouraged me to focus on the recovery, which I did," he added.