SIPHIWO Rabi Gongqa is one of the most successful football administrators in the Eastern Cape.
Gongqa, who was born in Makhanda (Grahamstown) and is now a Walmer Township resident, was a great striker during his playing days.
He attended Sakhisizwe High School in Zwide because there was no high school in Walmer Township during those days.
He said that he was a star player during the Siphiwo Mthimkhulu High Schools’ Tournament. He commended Sakhisizwe High School principal, Mzimasi Nxopo, who motivated him to take part in sport.
In 1992, Gongqa went back to his home township in Walmer, to attend at the newly built Vernon Gamanda High School.
He stated that Vernon Gamanda High School had the best ever soccer players in their history. He played along with Castle XI players, who were respected in the game of football. His high school soccer team claimed the high school regional title in 1993.
Gongqa, who was known as Masinga in football, was invited by Jomo Sono to take part in the Jomo Cosmos FC trials at Primrose in Germiston, but he did not succeed due to poor arrangements. Then he was invited by Cape Town Spurs to take part in their trials but, unfortunately, he could not go any further because he sustained a knee injury and his mother passed away.
Gongqa then played for PE City FC and he then joined Callies FC for three seasons, campaigning with them in the Vodacom Provincial League.
He said, “I formed Real Madrid FC, who became the Walmer Football Association (WAFA) Premier League title holders. I believe in developing the youth and my boys were promoted to campaign in SAFA NMB SAB League in 2006, with Algoa Oil, now known as National Oil Vogue, as our sponsors.
“We never disappointed this company’s director, Dieter Rohoegh, whose support was invariably immense to us.
We also hosted the major event, the Engen Tournament, with the help of the former owner of Engen and Steers, Rohoegh, who injected more funds for the tournament.
“I also managed to run many competitions in Walmer Township to keep the youth off the streets. I have recently also made means to apply for Lotto funding which my club managed to acquire. I preach discipline to my players all the time,” Gongqa said.
