| Fullname | Tonic Risimati Chabalala |
|---|---|
| Height | 1.78 m (5 ft 10 in) |
| Birth date | 25 April 1979 (age 47) |
| Birth place | Malamulele, South Africa |
| Position | DF |
| Years 1 | –2004 |
| Clubs 1 | Dynamos |
| Caps 1 | 110 |
| Goals 1 | 0 |
| Years 2 | 2004–2008 |
| Clubs 2 | Orlando Pirates |
| Caps 2 | 155 |
| Goals 2 | 0 |
| Years 3 | 2008–2009 |
| Clubs 3 | Thanda Royal Zulu |
| Years 4 | 2009–2010 |
| Clubs 4 | Dynamos |
Tonic Chabalala (born 25 April 1979) is a South African soccer player who was a defender for the Orlando Pirates in the Premier Soccer League.
He captained the Orlando Pirates side which reached the semi-finals of the 2006 CAF Champions League.[1] In 2008 he left Orlando Pirates, but was picked up by Thanda Royal Zulu.[2][3]
After retiring, he expressed "interest in coaching".[4]
Personal life
He hails from Xitlhelani, Malamulele[5] and is Tsonga.[6] He is the cousin of fellow footballer Justice Chabalala.[7]
After retiring he ran companies in Malamulele.[8]
In 2022 he was accused of bribery and false invoicing, with it being alleged that he bribed people to abet in sending invoices to the City of Johannesburg, leading to being overpaid 15 million rand. Chabalala denied knowledge of the case.[9][10] He was released on a 4000 rand bail.[11]
In the 2024 South African general election he stood as a candidate for the minor Action Alliance Development Party.[12]
References
- ^ Matshe, Nkareng (11 October 2006). "SA Soccer: Just the Tonic that Bucs need". IOL
- ^ "Chabalala is tonic needed by Thanda". News 24. 9 September 2008. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
- ^ "Målet: Sverige" (in Swedish). Aftonbladet. 5 January 2009. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
- ^ "Former Orlando Pirates Defender Tonic Chabalala Hints At Interest In Coaching". Soccer Laduma. 28 June 2020. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
- ^ Mlotha, Sipho (30 November 2024). "Chabalala: I was a victim of votes rigging at Pirates". Kickoff. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
- ^ Hlukani, Mathunse (2 May 2024). "Ntsheketo wa Nghwazi: Minyikelo ya Tonic Chabalala eka vaaki" (in Tsonga). Nthavela. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
- ^ "TONIC IS MY COUSIN". Kick Off. 1 April 2020. Retrieved 9 October 2020. – via pressreader.com.
- ^ Lihaiwa, Rofhiwa (4 January 2018). "Throwback Thursday: Tonic Chabalala". Kickoff. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
- ^ "Former Pirates star in court for 'defrauding' City of Joburg R15m". The Sowetan. 13 June 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
- ^ "Former Pirates defender in court over fraud and corruption charges". The Citizen. 13 June 2022. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
- ^ Nkosi, Bongani (13 June 2022). "Tonic Chabalala granted bail". The Star. Retrieved 18 February 2026.
- ^ Sidimba, Loyiso & Manyane, Manyane (7 April 2024). "Champion boxer, ex-footballer, families and pastor accused of rape, among Parliament candidates". IOL. Retrieved 18 February 2026.