KNYSNA NEWS - When the South African U17 national football team returned from the Fifa U17 World Cup in Qatar, one of Knysna's own walked proudly among them: Siyabonga Chris Tyhawana, the team's head of delegation.
At only 42 years old, Tyhawana has worked his way from the dusty streets of Nekkies to some of the biggest stages in world football.
Tyhawana describes the experience as both rewarding and emotional.
"The boys played well, but unfortunately we lost in the last-32 knockout stage against Japan. It was sad for the team because they wanted to go far, but they can hold their heads high."
A love for the game rooted in Nekkies
Born and raised in Nekkies, Tyhawana grew up in a community where football was a way of life. The eldest of four siblings, raised by a single mother after the passing of his father while he was still in high school, he found comfort and purpose in sport.
His football journey began with Junior Aces FC. It was here that respected local football figure Simphindile "Miller" Khunjwa noticed his talent and recruited him to Swallows FC.
While many saw Tyhawana as a promising player, others soon recognised something more - his natural leadership and administrative potential.
Under the guidance of Mncedisi Sikhosana, he became the team's secretary at a very young age, marking the start of a remarkable administrative career.
Rising through the football ranks
Representing Swallows FC at Local Football Association (LFA) meetings opened new doors. Former Knysna LFA chairperson Collins Williams quickly identified his administrative skill and encouraged him to join the Knysna LFA structures.
Tyhawana began as a league co-ordinator before climbing the ranks to chairperson of competitions. With mentorship from Williams and the late Victor Molosi, he eventually assumed the role of Knysna LFA chairperson.
His influence spread beyond Knysna. While leading KLFA, Tyhawana also served on Safa Eden's standing committee on competitions, working closely with respected administrators such as the late Levisto le Roux from Oudtshoorn. These experiences strengthened his reputation and leadership within regional football.
Tyhawana was later nominated as vice president of the Safa Eden regional executive committee under the leadership of Ebrahim America.
In 2022, he was elected president of the region. His rise continued as he was appointed deputy chairperson of Safa Western Cape and became a member of Safa's national executive committee.
Committed to youth development
Youth development has always been central to Tyhawana's passion for football.
His dedication was recognised when Safa president Dr Danny Jordaan appointed him as head of felegation for the national U17 team, Amajimbos.
The current U17 squad is the product of a structured three-year project that began with an U15 programme. The group progressed together, competing in Cosafa, qualifying for the U17 Africa Cup of Nations, and earning their place at the Fifa World Cup in Qatar.
As he returns home from Qatar, one thing is clear: this is the beginning of an even greater chapter for Siyabonga Chris Tyhawana - and for South African youth football.
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