Daveyton’s Smiling Stars football club was founded by Sipho Sibiya, with the main vision of helping young people to embrace their talents and to keep them off the streets.
The team is seeking support from the community of Daveyton in a form of donations or sponsorships so they may buy proper soccer kits, soccer equipment and be able to go on tournament trips. The team has faced so many challenges from the year it was established in 1990.“It hasn’t been an easy journey to manage a team without any funding. The team used to share the same jersey in all five divisions: U-10, U- 12, U- 14, U-16 and the senior team. I persevered throughout because I knew what I wanted and the love I have for soccer pushes me to make sure that I keep the team at its best form,” said Sibiya.
He explained that one of the challenges he has faced so far is that the Daveyton community doesn’t support him because they don’t understand his vision for the team. The team had to go out and look for funders outside of its community.
Through persistence, Sibiya bagged his first sponsorship from David George Motors in 1992 which has been of great help, but unfortunately, the contract ended. The team consists of 50 talented and dedicated boys who are passionately in love with soccer. By the grace of God, five players of the team have been selected and they have joined the School of Excellence.
“We have pushed ourselves to make sure that the team continues to produce positive results. With the knowledge that we possess, we are empowering our players and we are also instilling respect on them, if they continue in that state they will definitely go far,” said Bekezela Gwebu, assistant coach.
Gwebu further said they do not only teach football but also teach respect hence they include parents when they deal with a child. Football works hand in hand with self-respect. The team has scooped more than 25 trophies in the leagues it has played in, one of them being the Nike Championships League. Currently, they are playing in the LFA League.
The team welcomes all young people who want to be part of the Smiling Stars football club. Sibiya urges the community of Daveyton to assist the team in terms of donations or sponsorships in order to give these young players a chance to have better lives in the future. If you are interested in assisting the team, contact Sipho on 072 109 6182.
By Simphiwe Nkosi
