Among players who attended the awards were eventual winner of the Ballon D’or, Lionel Messi, Xavi Hernandez, Andres Iniesta, Christiano Ronaldo, legends like George Weah, Lucas Radebe, World Champions Spain, reigning Champions League champions Inter Milan team and their former charismatic but controversial coach, Jose Mourinho.

“The trip to Zurich was an eye opener,” said Shabba. “I was not aware that some of the guys know me until Andres Iniesta came up to me to wish me all the best. Xavi also came through and also the Barcelona Coach, Pep Guardiola,”

“I was humbled by the experience and to also see how down to earth these guys are.

These guys have worked hard to be where they are and it shows that there is no substitute for hard work. It is only proper for me to thank FIFA for providing us an opportunity as South Africa to host the World Cup.”

I also want to thank the South Africans for getting behind us as the team during the tournament. I might not have won the award but the opportunity to attend the awards was something really special,” said Shabba speaking to kaizerchiefs.com on Thursday morning.

Tshabalala also added that it was still his dream one day to ply his trade in Europe, “It is every player’s dream to play in Europe. I am also working hard to achieve this goal,”

Despite being open to a move overseas in the near future, Tshabalala says he is behind his teammates at Chiefs as they take on Ajax Cape Town in Cape Town on Friday night.

“My focus for now is on Kaizer Chiefs and I have no doubts that we will come back with a positive result in Cape Town despite the team missing some key players. We have enough depth in the team and whoever comes in will do a good job for the team. The win against Mamelodi Sundowns was very important for our ambitions to win the championship this season,” added Tshabalala.