Full Name: Dr. Solomon Morewa
Nickname: Stix
Date of Birth: 26 June 1944
Birthplace: Potchefstroom, South Africa
Occupation: Football Administrator, Anti-Apartheid Activist
Known For: Leading the Unification of South African Football, Former SAFA President
Honors: Stix Morewa Memorial Hospital Named in His Honor, Pioneer of Women’s Football Development, AFCON 1996 Victory Under His Leadership
Who is Solomon “Stix” Morewa?
Dr. Solomon “Stix” Morewa was a pioneering figure in South African football administration and a key architect in the country’s re-entry into international football after apartheid. Known for his visionary leadership and unrelenting commitment to football transformation, Morewa presided over historic moments like Bafana Bafana’s 1996 AFCON victory and laid the groundwork for South Africa’s successful bid for the FIFA World Cup.
Early Life and Football Beginnings
Morewa earned the nickname “Stix” because of his thin legs during his time trying to break into the professional game with Potchefstroom Young Stars. Although his playing career did not flourish, he quickly transitioned to administration, where his true talents emerged.
By the 1960s and 1970s, Morewa had become an influential figure with Young Stars, helping establish them as one of the top teams in the Western Transvaal. His early experience managing a competitive club prepared him for a lifetime of leadership roles.
Rise in Football Administration
His organizational skills led him to be elected as Secretary of the Transvaal Football Association, working alongside other prominent football leaders like Leepile Taunyane, Knox Matjila, and Bethuel Morolo.
In 1985, Morewa played a pivotal role in forming the Soccer Association of South Africa (SASA)—an umbrella body intended to unify the fragmented black soccer organizations during apartheid. He served as Secretary, with Solomon Msibi as Chairman. Although initially met with resistance from racially divided associations, this move laid a foundation for unification.
Political Involvement and Imprisonment
Stix Morewa’s leadership extended beyond football. In the 1960s, he was incarcerated on Robben Island for his activism with the Pan Africanist Congress (PAC), fighting against apartheid’s racial injustices. This background gave him a strong moral authority within the sports and political landscape.
Unifying South African Football
In 1988, Morewa led a historic delegation to meet the exiled African National Congress (ANC) in Lusaka, Zambia. Though initially disappointed that the ANC would not support South Africa’s readmission to FIFA due to ongoing racial divisions, he immediately shifted focus towards true unification.
With Cyril Kobus, Abdul Bamjee and Zack Mosheshe.
Through his tireless efforts, Morewa successfully unified the black, white, Indian, and coloured football bodies into one governing body — the South African Football Association (SAFA) — officially launched in 1991.
Achievements as SAFA President
During his presidency at SAFA, Morewa oversaw several landmark accomplishments:
🏆 1992: South Africa re-admitted into FIFA after decades of isolation
🏆 1996: Under his leadership, Bafana Bafana won the African Cup of Nations
🏆 1990s: Introduction of structured youth leagues and promotion of women’s football
🏆 Early 2000s: One of the early visionaries advocating for South Africa to host a FIFA World Cup
Challenges and Fall from Grace
Unfortunately, Morewa’s illustrious career ended in controversy.
In 1997, the Pickard Commission found that under his leadership:
- There were irregularities in the financial management of sponsorship deals.
- Morewa and the marketing company Awesome Sport International (ASI) had retained 25% of sponsorship money raised.
- He failed to disclose a R500,000 loan received from an ASI director.
The lack of transparency, poor governance, and erosion of public trust forced Morewa to resign in 1998, leaving behind a tarnished but impactful legacy.
Later Life, Death, and Legacy
After stepping down, Morewa maintained a low public profile but remained respected by many for his earlier contributions.
🕯️ Death: Solomon “Stix” Morewa passed away on 24 September 2005.
🏛️ Funeral: Held at Grace Bible Church in Soweto.
👨👩👧👦 Survived by: His wife Rebecca, children Bobby and Mido, and grandchildren Palesa, Ashley, and Pinky.
Today, his name lives on through landmarks like the Stix Morewa Memorial Hospital in Selby, Johannesburg and his role in turning South African football into a global competitor.
The Solomon Stix Morewa Soccer Challenge, an annual grassroots tournament in Soweto, was so named in his honour.
In Summary:
| Aspect | Details |
|---|---|
| Born | 26 June 1944, Potchefstroom, South Africa |
| Football Administration Start | Potchefstroom Young Stars (1960s) |
| Major Roles | Secretary (Transvaal FA), President (SAFA) |
| Political Involvement | Anti-Apartheid Activist, Robben Island Prisoner |
| Major Achievements | Football Unification, AFCON 1996 Victory, FIFA Readmission |
| Scandal | Pickard Commission Findings, 1997 |
| Legacy | Pioneer of Unified SA Football, Youth and Women’s Development Advocate |
| Died | 24 September 2005, aged 61 |
Final Thoughts on Solomon “Stix” Morewa
Solomon “Stix” Morewa remains one of South Africa’s most complex and influential sports figures. A man of vision, drive, and occasional controversy, he left behind a football legacy that blended sporting excellence with the broader national goal of unity and pride. His contributions helped lay the groundwork for South Africa’s triumphs on and off the pitch, including its successful hosting of the 2010 FIFA World Cup.
