Siphiwe Tshabalala Tournament inspires the next generation of football stars
Youth football and schools’ football tournaments play an important role and have a positive influence on the growth of the beautiful game in South Africa.
These events, held across South Africa, are continually evolving and providing young players with platforms to exhibit their skills, while also encouraging a healthy lifestyle.
The tournaments, furthermore, also foster a sense of community within the football fraternity, offering the youth opportunities for interaction and to live their dreams.
An exemplary example of this is the Siphiwe Tshabalala Soccer Tournament, organised by the Siphiwe Tshabalala Foundation.
This year’s event, which is now into its ninth edition, is anticipated to be larger than ever before and it has attracted national attention, with teams from other regions of South Africa eager to participate in it.
It runs from 15 June to 7 July, with the finals taking place at the Kgotso Grounds in Soweto, which will play host to all of the matches.
The event caters for both boys and girls, with the boys competing in u15, u17, and u20 divisions, and the girls’ competition happening in the u15 and u20 age groups.
When it began, the tournament featured eight teams from Soweto. Now it has expanded beyond the borders of the Gauteng province.
The Siphiwe Tshabalala Soccer Tournament has unearthed some talented performers, including Mfundo Vilakazi, who was awarded a professional contract earlier this year by Kaizer Chiefs after making his mark within the development structures of the Kaizer Chiefs Reserve Multichoice Team and the Gauteng Development League team.
Siphesihle Tati and Mduduzi Shabalala are also currently on the books of Chiefs. Ayanda Ntshanga is another former tournament participant who has gone on to greater things. He is now with Mamelodi Sundowns.
In 2023, the stakes were high, with the backing of sponsors, such as FutureLife, and live streaming from SuperSport Schools. A record 1 800 players took part in the event.
Recap of the 8th edition of the Siphiwe Tshabalala Soccer Tournament
u20 Division
Khenza Football Club (KFC) won the u20 division, led by their coach Karabo Mkhabela, who was hailed as the Coach of the Tournament.
Yugun Fredericks, from KVK Academy, and Siyanqoba Moleane, from KFC, shared the Top Goal Scorer Award, each netting five times.
Teboho Ramokapela, from FC Basil, was recognised as the Player of the Tournament, while Orabile Pinto, of FC Basil, showcased exceptional shot-stopping skills and was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
u17 Division
The Citizens dominated the u17 division and secured three awards. Masiya Siyabonga was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament, Thabang Sabeko emerged as the Top Goal Scorer, and their coach, Amo Motloung, was named the Coach of the Tournament.
Ladies’ Division
Orlando Ladies emerged victorious after a 4-3 penalty shootout win following a goalless draw against Thunderstorm Ladies.
Thunderstorm Ladies’ coach Peter Mafa picked up the Coach of the Tournament Award, while Thuli Ndaba was named the Player of the Tournament. Nonhlanhla Muhale, the goalkeeper of the winning team, Orlando Ladies, was named the Goalkeeper of the Tournament.
u15 Division
Soweto Shining Stars edged out Phiri Winter Roses in a penalty shootout, securing a 3-1 victory from the spot after neither team scored in regulation time.
Lesego Reginald Lethoko, from Soweto Shining Stars, was awarded the title of Coach of the Tournament, while Rendani Sediki was recognised as the Goalkeeper of the Tournament. Ntokozo Hlophe claimed the Top Goal Scorer award.
The {layer of the Tournament honour was bestowed upon Kutlwano Noka, from Winter Roses.
SIPHIWE TSHABALALA FIXTURES, KHOTSO GROUNDS (PHIRI) SOWETO
15 June, Saturday
10:00 – u15, KVK vs Lawley Atlanta (Group D)
11:00 – u20, Orlando Preston Brothers vs Soweto Real Thunders (Group M)
12:30 – u17, Euphoria United vs KVK (Group C)
13:30 – u20 Roodeport Young Masters vs Euphoria United (Group J)
15:00 – u20, SGS vs Orlando West Academy (Group F)
16 June Sunday
10:00 – u15, Zola Seven Stars vs Mapetla Barcelona (Group E)
11:00 – u20, Soweto Stars vs Abafana Be Style (Group O)
12:30 – u20, Izinja Zase Zamblor vs Pimville Young Stars (Group K)
14:00 – u20, Northern Brothers vs Chiawelo Juventus (Group A)
17 June Monday
10:00 – u15, Mapetla Young United vs Soweto Shining Stars (Group A)
11:00 – u15, Phiri Saint German vs Molapo United (Group H)
12:00 – u17, Zola Seven Stars vs Mapetla Young United (Group A)
13:00 – u20, George Best More vs Nicaragua (Group D)
14:30 – u20, Dube Continental vs Soweto Academy (Group C)
