While Siphiwe Tshabalala may already be a beloved figure in South Africa, he is beginning to become a more influential figure on the continent as well.
The 2023 Africa Cup of Nations, won by hosts Ivory Coast, is considered to have been a successful competition financially as well as in terms of the viewers it attracted.
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The winners of the tournament walked away with a reward of $7 million (R134 million), while the runners-up Nigeria were given $4 million (R76 million) for their impressive run.
It has also been reported that over two billion people tuned in to watch the competition on television, smashing the previous record of AFCON 2021 which is said to have pulled in 65 million viewers.
Shabba, meanwhile, has been credited for contributing to the success of the latest edition of Africa's showpiece competition. In fact, he was awarded an official certificate of appreciation from CAF.
"In grateful recognition of your exceptional service and contribution during the AFCON 2023 in Cote d'Ivoire, your efforts have been invaluable to our success," the certificate read.
Prior to the tournament, Tshabalala was one of the 24 African football legends chosen by CAF to promote the tournament and enhance the brand awareness of the continental sporting event.
Included in the selection were icons like Didier Drogba, Solomon Kalou, Nigeria's Jay-Jay Okocha and Egypt legend Ahmed Hassan.
Shabba, meanwhile, also took part in some punditry, showing his capabilities behind a microphone and in front of the camera. On one occasion during the tournament, appeared with Kalou as the pair discussed their desire for Ivory Coast and Bafana Bafana to meet in the final.
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