Posted in Features, News on Apr 18, 2018.
At last year’s Kaizer Chiefs Awards, Siphiwe ‘Shabba’ Tshabalala was named 2016/2017 Vodacom Player of the Season, which earned him R100 000 for his efforts.
In partnership with Vodacom and Kaizer Chiefs, Tshabalala donated half of his prize money to his alma mater, Phumuzile Primary School in Phiri, Soweto on Wednesday, 18 April 2018. The money was used to purchase netball and soccer kits, including boots, balls and training equipment.
Shabba, who was joined by teammates, Brilliant Khuzwayo, Kabelo Mahlasela and Khotso Malope paid a visit to his former school and stepped out of his comfort zone by playing a friendly game of netball against the school’s top team. After the match, Tshabalala and his Kaizer Chiefs teammates handed over football and netball equipment to the value of R50 000 to be used by the school’s learners.
“It is great to be back here and see some of the young souls and the dedicated teachers who work with the children every day,” said the midfielder. “It is important to motivate the learners and show them that if they work hard, they can achieve and change their lives as well as those of their families, just as some of us have done.”
Shabba, Kaizer Chiefs’ Digital Manager Kemiso Motaung and the players took part in an ‘out of the ordinary’ netball game served to kick off the #ShabbaChallenge where the public is challenged to give back to their communities. About 700 learners watched the netball game and received food packs before heading home. Vodacom is throwing its full support behind the #ShabbaChallenge with a nationwide drive from 18 April for fans to also step out of their comfort zones and be the hero in their communities by giving back in any way they can.
“Vodacom shares Shabba’s passion to make a difference in people’s lives which is why we decided to take what he is doing in his community and transform it into a national drive,” said Michelle van Eyden, executive head of department - sponsorships.
“Giving back is all about stepping out of your comfort zone and stepping into somebody else’s situation to make a difference,” she continued. “Vodacom is extremely proud to be associated with a player like Siphiwe, who realises the importance of giving back and we will always support such initiatives.”
Mrs Esther Mathenjwa-Sentso, who is Phumuzile Primary School’s principal, taught Shabba when he was in Grade 2. After 28 years of teaching, she was appointed Principal of the school five years ago. She was ecstatic when she accepted the netball and soccer kits as well as equipment from Shabba and his teammates. “We are thankful that Siphiwe has not forgotten his roots and came to inspire our pupils. I have been with the school for 33 years and this is one of the best moments for us.”
She continued to thank Vodacom and Kaizer Chiefs for joining their former pupil as he does his bit for community upliftment.
The #ShabbaChallenge will be driven on Twitter (@VodacomSoccer, @KaizerChiefs and @siphiweshabba) and Facebook (@Vodacom and @KaizerChiefs), asking fans to take up the challenge by posting photos and videos of themselves giving back to their communities.
It’s time for soccer fans to step out of their comfort zones and join Siphiwe Tshabalala in making a real difference.
[gallery ids="37084,37088,37087,37086,37085,37081,37078"]
In partnership with Vodacom and Kaizer Chiefs, Tshabalala donated half of his prize money to his alma mater, Phumuzile Primary School in Phiri, Soweto on Wednesday, 18 April 2018. The money was used to purchase netball and soccer kits, including boots, balls and training equipment.
Shabba, who was joined by teammates, Brilliant Khuzwayo, Kabelo Mahlasela and Khotso Malope paid a visit to his former school and stepped out of his comfort zone by playing a friendly game of netball against the school’s top team. After the match, Tshabalala and his Kaizer Chiefs teammates handed over football and netball equipment to the value of R50 000 to be used by the school’s learners.
“It is great to be back here and see some of the young souls and the dedicated teachers who work with the children every day,” said the midfielder. “It is important to motivate the learners and show them that if they work hard, they can achieve and change their lives as well as those of their families, just as some of us have done.”
Shabba, Kaizer Chiefs’ Digital Manager Kemiso Motaung and the players took part in an ‘out of the ordinary’ netball game served to kick off the #ShabbaChallenge where the public is challenged to give back to their communities. About 700 learners watched the netball game and received food packs before heading home. Vodacom is throwing its full support behind the #ShabbaChallenge with a nationwide drive from 18 April for fans to also step out of their comfort zones and be the hero in their communities by giving back in any way they can.
“Vodacom shares Shabba’s passion to make a difference in people’s lives which is why we decided to take what he is doing in his community and transform it into a national drive,” said Michelle van Eyden, executive head of department - sponsorships.
“Giving back is all about stepping out of your comfort zone and stepping into somebody else’s situation to make a difference,” she continued. “Vodacom is extremely proud to be associated with a player like Siphiwe, who realises the importance of giving back and we will always support such initiatives.”
Mrs Esther Mathenjwa-Sentso, who is Phumuzile Primary School’s principal, taught Shabba when he was in Grade 2. After 28 years of teaching, she was appointed Principal of the school five years ago. She was ecstatic when she accepted the netball and soccer kits as well as equipment from Shabba and his teammates. “We are thankful that Siphiwe has not forgotten his roots and came to inspire our pupils. I have been with the school for 33 years and this is one of the best moments for us.”
She continued to thank Vodacom and Kaizer Chiefs for joining their former pupil as he does his bit for community upliftment.
The #ShabbaChallenge will be driven on Twitter (@VodacomSoccer, @KaizerChiefs and @siphiweshabba) and Facebook (@Vodacom and @KaizerChiefs), asking fans to take up the challenge by posting photos and videos of themselves giving back to their communities.
It’s time for soccer fans to step out of their comfort zones and join Siphiwe Tshabalala in making a real difference.
[gallery ids="37084,37088,37087,37086,37085,37081,37078"]
