Tembisa soccer legends not celebrated

Stories are never told about the Tembisa-born soccer legends even though their names linger on soccer fans’ lips.

Hosia ‘Papa’ Sebelebele has lived a dream of many township boys who pursue a career in football, but he still finds himself playing on dusty township soccer fields.

Papa’s career began early when he was 10 years old, and his talent shone all the way to France.

“This thing is in my family. I was inspired by my brother, Shimani Sibelebele. As a child, I used to go with him to watch his games and that is where the bug bit me,” said Papa.

The former Jiyane Secondary School learner said his first team was the Tembisa Sundowns, whom he played for when he was 10. He then moved to Hurricane FC, where he played for three years.

“During that time I played simultaneously for the school team and the football clubs outside the school.

“After the Hurricane FC, I moved to Moroka Swallows, where I played for the u-17 side. I was only 14 years old then. I played for them until I was promoted to their reserve side. That opportunity opened a lot of doors.”

While he was playing for the Jiyane Secondary School team, Papa was scouted and was selected to represent his region in France. “That was the happiest moment of my life. It was a dream knowing that young players from the township do not get a chance to leave the African continent to play overseas. From then I wanted to work hard and get a team that side but things did work out as planned. I played there for about two weeks showcasing my talent. When I came back I continued playing for Moroka Swallows and I was there until I turned 20,” said papa. He explained his departure from the team as an unfortunate decision because he trained with the first team, but his career got delayed as he was not given a chance to be on the pitch.

He came back to play for Kasi teams and had a stint at the Black Pirates FC and went on to play for M-Tigers, formerly known as PJ Stars, who were coached by Jerry “Legs of Thunder” Skhosana.

“I had an amazing journey in the sport; I have been in the game for too long. My highlights were going to France and being the best player for a number of years in the renowned Tembisa Philly’s Games. I began playing in the tournament when I was in the u-14 team until I got to the senior teams. I was part of that Kasi tournament for about 13 years,” said Papa.

Now he is planning to develop new players and become a professional soccer coach. There’s too much talent in Tembisa. “Team owners are not investing enough time in the new talent. They lack in building the players’ character off the field. They don’t guide or discourage misconduct of players outside the field. Young players need positive guidance from people like myself to make sure they don’t repeat our mistakes. Young players must follow their dreams, maintain discipline and work hard. For the sport to thrive in the township, we need to see local business getting involved in providing children with soccer kits and training equipment,” he said.

Papa has been nominated twice as the best soccer player for the Philly’s games. He has been instrumental in his teams taking first prize three times. “I have shared soccer fields with people like Themba Zwane and Thabo Matlaba. I have done my part and now I want to take coaching classes and discover new talents.”