KWAMHLANGA – Sifiso Peter "Shakes" Kabini has dedicated his life to uplifting communities through sport and charitable initiatives. As founder of the Shakes Kabini Foundation NPC, he has created opportunities for young people through football while providing food parcels, school uniforms, sports kits and housing support to vulnerable families.
Born in Middelburg, Kabini's football journey began at Mavula Primary School in 1994 before he attended Hlonipha Secondary School, where he matriculated in 2007. He later played semi-professional football for Palmaros FC, then an ABC Motsepe League side, under coach "Bucs" Mthombeni.
Kabini founded the Shakes Kabini Foundation NPC in 2011 to use sport as a platform for community development. Through the Shakes Rotating Tournament for soccer and netball, the foundation has created opportunities for talented young people from Vezubuhle and surrounding areas to be identified by scouts and clubs. The tournament has produced players who have signed professional contracts in the Premier Soccer League, while others have gone on to play abroad.
Alongside his community work, Kabini built a career in football administration. He served as team manager at Palmaros FC, Casric Stars FC and Platinum City Rovers FC. During his time at Platinum City Rovers, the club won the North West League and secured promotion to the GladAfrica League. At Casric Stars, he helped the club reach the promotion play-offs in 2022 and 2024 before later serving as the club's public relations officer.
Through the foundation, Kabini donates school shoes, uniforms, sanitary pads and sports kits to learners to encourage them to remain in school and stay away from drugs and crime. In partnership with Thembisile Hani Local Municipality, SS Skhosi Consulting and Esinenhlanhla Logistics, the foundation also distributes 10kg bags of maize meal and sugar to vulnerable families in two communities. The foundation has also built and handed over a house to a needy family.
"My biggest ambition is to see the foundation utilised as a tool for driving positive programmes designed to remove children from participating in drugs, criminality and negative deeds in society," Kabini said.
"I want to assist young people to turn talent into a career to provide for themselves and their families, and I want more young girls involved in sport."
Kabini continues to use his experience in football administration and community development to create opportunities for young people. Fluent in English and isiNdebele, he believes football is more than a game – it is a platform to restore dignity, inspire hope and strengthen communities.
