Siphiwe “Shabba” Tshabalala jets off on Sunday night to attend FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala in Zurich, Switzerland after his goal against Mexico on the opening day of FIFA 2010 was nominated as one of the best goals scored in 2010.

Speaking to kaizerchiefs.com on Sunday, Shabba expressed his delight for the nomination and attending international awards.

“I was privileged to get an invite from FIFA inviting me to attend the awards. It will of course be a bonus if I win the FIFA Puskas Prize (finest goal scored in 2010 voted by FIFA.com users) but that the goal was nominated as one of the best goals is something very special to me,” said Shabba who also revealed that he received a call from President of the Republic of South Africa, Jacob Zuma congratulating him and wishing him all best in Switzerland.

Football Manager, Bobby Motaung on behalf of the Club wished Shabba all the best, “We are obviously proud as the Club that we have a representative at the awards for the first time. We would like to wish Siphiwe all the best. We hope that he brings the award home,” said Motaung.

Among the awards to be announced during the Gala is the winner of the FIFA Fair Play Award, FIFA Presidential Award, including the main award Ballon d’Or Award contested by Barcelona trio, Lionel Messi, Xavi and Andres Iniesta.