Meet Simphiwe, the Young Captain with a Team Behind Him
A team sheet can tell you that Simphiwe Giwu is the captain. It can list his teammates, his position, and the result after the final whistle.
There are other names behind his journey.
His father, who dreamed of seeing him become a professional footballer one day. His mother, who kept encouraging him after his father passed away in 2022. The coaches who give him direction. The club parents who watch over him on match days. The people who make sure he has transport to training.
Simphiwe joined Antalyaspor JPM Cape Town FC during its first intake. He has grown into the player trusted to lead the Under-14 team, carrying the captain’s armband and the hopes his parents have always had for him.
When the JP Markets team spent time with Simphiwe and his mother, we came to understand how closely their stories are tied. She has raised Simphiwe and his two siblings through a difficult period, while protecting the part of her son that still looks forward to training, match days, and what football might one day bring.
Our founder, Justin Paulsen, joined the players on the pitch during the visit. Around the field were the people who have become Simphiwe’s wider team, each helping in ways that may never appear on a score sheet.
JP Markets contributed R10,000 to support Simphiwe and his family as part of our 10th anniversary. We will also remain connected through the club as he continues to train, play, and grow.
Simphiwe wears the armband, but he has never carried the journey alone.
