The former Bafana Bafana and Kaizer Chiefs star was the big marquee signings among a host of big Usuthu signings under former coach Ayanda Dlamini as the new club ownership started restructuring.
With his reputation and experience, many thought 'Shabba' would become an integral part of the team despite not playing football for over a year before joining the Durban side.
But according to sources close to the club, Tshabalala's future is set to be decided soon as he currently appears not to be in coach Benni McCarthy's plans and could be released.
"It doesn't look like Shabba will see the end of his contract at Usuthu, there are so many things that are happening at the club and he seems to be struggling to finish training sessions ever since he arrived at the club," an insiders reveals to snl24.com/kickoff.
"The challenge started under coach Ayanda Dlamini and it's still happening with Benni McCarthy. He seems not fit enough and won't give Usuthu what they thought he will bring like the other senior guys, and there are serious talks about his future."
Another source reveals that Tshabalala has not been training with the club and doesn't look like someone who will get more game-time under McCarthy, who is a winner by personality and under pressure to produce results.
"Shabba has been in and out of Gauteng, he doesn't look like an Usuthu player anymore," says the source.
AmaZulu media officer Brilliant Mkhathini could only confirmed the release of youngsters such as Sibusiso Magaqa, Somila Ntsundwana and Ntuthuko Madela and says he knows nothing about plans to release Tshabalala.
"There's no such as yet," Mkhathini responds. "The only player movement the club can talk about is the youngsters who have been sent on loan to get game-time, and a statement will be released, nothing else."
