Elijah Morris Tshabalala, principal of Lukhanyo Primary in Zwelihle and a well-known figure in Overberg teaching circles, has been recognised for his contribution to the development of local sports by the Department of Cultural Affairs and Sport at its Provincial Sport Legends awards ceremony last week.
Few know Tshabalala played a key role in establishing the Hermanus Local Football Association (LFA), which is affiliated to the South African Football Association (Safa) Overberg.
The only resident from the Overberg recognised by the department, he was one of 31 sport “legends” receiving special scrolls confirming their status as Provincial Sport Legends, whose stories were shared at the event.
They were capped by Western Cape Minister of Cultural Affairs and Sport Anroux Marais, who said: “It is very important to me that we acknowledge our sporting legends, not only for their achievements in their different sporting codes, but also for the important role that they continue to play as role-models for our youth.
“I know many of you here today are still actively involved in your communities – whether it is through sharing your expertise, coaching younger athletes or motivating young people to get involved in sport.
“All of these are extremely valuable ways in which you give back to your community, and I am so grateful to each of you for your contribution to growing sport in our province.”
Tshabalala began his career in 1991 in Zwelihle near Hermanus. He not only promoted soccer at schools in the township, but right across the Overberg.
He established and led the Hermanus LFA, which later became affiliated to Safa Overberg and Safa WP, also an outcome of his action.
Schools in Zwelihle and the Overberg played in different provincial and regional tournaments during his term of office as LFA chairperson, Safa Overberg president and Safa NEC member.
LFA has football coaches with Safa D Licence Coaching qualifications as well as qualified referees.
His involvement with the South African Schools Football Association (Sasfa) and Safa-affiliated schools was expressed especially in their participation in winter-school sports and in both Safa and Sasfa school competitions.
A new legends and masters structure in Hermanus is also driven by Tshabalala.
He received the Chairperson of the Year Award from the provincial Sasfa in 2012 and also received the Overstrand Municipality’s Mayor’s Award for Community Leader of the Year.
He was Safa Overberg’s president in 2008 and member of the Safa National Finance Committee.
Tshabalala is the interim coordinator of the South African Football Masters and Legends Association (Safmla) in the Overberg Region and president of Zwelihle Football Legends. He is also honorary president of Safa Overberg, provincial treasurer of Western Cape Safmla, led by David Nyathi, and honorary president of the Hermanus Soccer Association (Hesa).
