USL News Release
by Jeff Crandall
Friday, May 29, 2009
HARRISBURG, PA - From South Africa to the United States, it has been a long journey for Harrisburg City Islander’s midfielder Tiyi Shipalane. An attacking winger with a passion for bettering himself on-and-off the field, the USL Second Division’s assist leader has come a long way and collected a number of special moments in his young career.
Looking to improve his educational opportunities while continuing to play soccer, “T”, aged fifteen, came to the United States through coordination with his youth academy in South Africa and Reverend Moses Tsambo. 
“I played for a local club while finishing high school in Louisville, KY and was off to Lindsey Wilson to play in college.”
An N.A.I.A. powerhouse, it was with the Blue Raiders where the South Africa native began to flourish. In four years at the Columbia, Kentucky school, Shipalane appeared in 88 matches, recording 26 goals and 24 assists.
Highlighting his time there was Lindsay’s 2005 NAIA National Championship victory where Shipalane scored the first goal in a 4-1 victory over Azusa Pacific (CA). It would not be his first time scoring in a final.
“I’ve been fortunate to have a number of special moments in my career,” said Shipalane. “Scoring in the national championship was only the beginning.”
T’s performance with Lindsey Wilson caught the eye of Dan Duggan, the Chairman and CEO of the Premier Development Leagues’ Michigan Bucks. Shipalane would help form the offensive nucleus with college teammates Kheli Dube (now with the New England Revolution) and Nate Jafta from 2006-2007.
“I saw him play that fall and wanted him for the summer,” said Duggan. “He was a great kid that played the type of attacking soccer we like in our team. It was evident he had a lot of ability and I knew he had a bright future in the game.”
From 2006-2008, Shipalane played 50 games for the Bucks, scoring one of his twelve goals (and also the game winner) in another national final – the 2006 PDL Championship -- a 2-1 victory over the Laredo Heat in front of 7,000 fans in south Texas.
“Summer 2006 was a season of destiny,” said Shipalane. “We almost missed the playoffs but then went on a run to the final and scoring that goal has been the top highlight of my career.”
Shipalane helped the Bucks back to a championship rematch with Laredo in 2007, but the Detroit-based side fell to the Heat in penalty kicks. In 2008, the Bucks won the PDL Regular Season Championship before a shocking second round defeat to the expansion Kalamazoo Outrage.
The club also participated in the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup during all three seasons where Shipalane draws memories of another special moment.
“After scoring in the Open Cup match against Cleveland [in 2008], the supporters group threw me a South African flag. I was so happy the fans recognized my heritage and that I was able to celebrate with my home colors -- that was just as special as scoring in both finals.”
In the true sense of the “education comes first” mantra, Shipalane graduated from Lindsey Wilson in December 2008 and then attended January’s USL Player Combine before a training invite from Major League Soccer’s Columbus Crew popped up.
“I spent nearly a month with the Crew and learned a lot, but things didn’t work out and I found my way to Harrisburg. I haven’t looked back since.”
Indeed he hasn’t. Shipalane has played in five of six matches this season, missing only Harrisburg’s away game in Bermuda because of visa issues. Coincidentally, it is the only blemish on the City Islander’s league leading 4-1-1 record.
The USL Second Division’s leader in assists has been a great fit in head coach Bill Becher’s attacking system.
“T has brought another dimension to the Island this year,” said Becher. “He can score but his real danger is his ability to take on defenders and set up his teammates – he’s been a true asset to our attack this season.”
Since his debut for Harrisburg in a 2-2 draw at Richmond on April 18, Shipalane has recorded either a goal or assist in every game he has played. The winger will be looking for more when the league leading City Islanders travel to take on Real Maryland Sunday afternoon.
“I love being able to focus on soccer now, but I make sure everyone knows I’m a college graduate,” said Shipalane. “I’m a proud professional, a proud South African and a proud college graduate."
