Siphiwe Tshabalala’s foundation tournament at Phiri ends
This was a community initiative that also educated people on the importance of nutrition especially at amateur level.
After three weeks of the Siphiwe Tshabalala Foundation Soccer Tournament the community of Soweto came in numbers to support teams that represented their townships in the finals this past weekend at Khotso Grounds in Phiri.
The tournament included about 1800 aspiring soccer stars but only four teams were crowned champions of the 2023 tournament namely Soweto Shining Stars (15), Soweto Shining Stars (17), Orlando Ladies and FC Basil (20).
“Winners will receive their prices, proper resources to help them prosper going forward. With new pair of soccer boots, training equipment for the coach,” said Siphiwe Tshabalala, founder of the tournament.
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“There are also opportunities for the players to be scouted by big professional teams. We have recently formed partnership with Supersport United academy for only six players.”
This foundation is used as a vehicle to bring about change and to restore hope to a number of aspiring soccer players in townships. This is an opportunity to give Sowetans an opportunity to dream again and see opportunities at their reach.
Orlando Ladies Captain, Zandile Thabethe said, “We feel very happy with our title because we played our best. One day I hope to play for Banyana Banyana and for our team to play in the Sasol League.”
Both players and the community of Phiri were catered by FUTURELIFE nutritional products. This was a community initiative that also educated people on the importance of nutrition especially at amateur level.
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Keegan Eichstadt, marketing manager of FUTURELIFE and sponsor of the foundation said, “We both have the same passion for the youth of South Africa through his passion for soccer and ours for nutrition. Our aim is to instil a sense of passion and responsibility to young men and women competing today.”
The Siphiwe Tshabalala Foundation Soccer Tournament did not only showcase South Africa’s extraordinary soccer but it also promoted the holistic development of young athletes through the inclusion of dieticians and nutritional support from FUTURELIFE.
“My team and I are determined to make sure that these players reach their dreams. I am happy with that we have done together in terms of making a difference. It is ten years of success, of changing lives as well as ten years of restoring hope to aspiring player,” Tshabalala concluded.
