Champions crowned as Sipho Shiba tournament honours local football legend
The inaugural La Rochelle event celebrates grassroots icon’s legacy as young teams shine across four age divisions
Curtains came down on an inaugural Sipho Shiba Champion of Champions Tournament in La Rochelle on April 4.
The event, which began on March 30, was to honour the fallen icon’s contribution to grassroots football in the south.
Sipho Shiba, who was the chairman and the founder of the Black City Aces Football Club, was a relentless football administrator and inspirational family man who devoted his entire life in football development.
Clubs from the region came out in numbers to pay their respects and honour the man who, unfortunately, passed away last year. The junior tournament featured the U13, U15, U17 and U19.
Saturday was the final day of the event, with New South Kids FC emerging victorious in two of the four finals. They defeated Sisonke Panthers 3-2 after a penalty shootout in the U13.
Once again, New South Kids FC proved their authoritative dominance by slaying Black City Aces 3-2 in the final of the U15 tournament.
Black City Aces truly honoured their late mentor by securing the U17 title, beating Kings FC 2-1 in the final, and rightfully dedicated the trophy to their icon. The U19 final was contested by Delma FC and Millennium Dreamers FC, with Delma FC coming out on top, beating Millennium Dreamers FC 4-1.
However, the event wasn’t about football alone; it was a celebration of the life of a man who worked hard for the children of the region. One of the organisers of the tournament, coach Mtheza Panziso of New South Kids FC, was emotional about the whole occasion.
“I felt his presence from day one. Here we are talking about a man who wasn’t just a mere football person but a devoted mentor who wanted the best for everyone. He would go out of his way to lose it all for the benefit of the next person. This is the least I could do for him,” he said.
Sphiwe Ntombela of the Department of Sports, Arts and Culture was over the moon. “I’m happy with the way things turned out. I’m sure he’s also proud, wherever he is. We are working to make this an annual event,” he said.
Sipho Shiba’s family was also in attendance. With his wife lost for words of gratitude. “I could feel his presence in this tournament. He was like he was physically present. I’m lost for words, especially with coaches, Mtheza and Sphiwe, for the honour they gave my husband. I’m sure he’s happy too, as he loved soccer all his life,” Matsitsi Gloria Tlhatsi said.
