“Origins should never be a barrier to success” — Sir Alex Ferguson

Tyrel Singh

Category

Sports
 

Organisation / Company

TS Group Legal
South African Sports Law Association
 

Position

Attorney, TS Group Legal | Research officer

 

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Profile

Raised in a community scarred by systemic inequality and inspired by a family legacy of service, Tyrel Singh, 29, found his calling in law. He holds a BA and LLB from the University of the Witwatersrand, along with multiple certifications in sports law and trial advocacy. Now a qualified attorney of the high court, he specialises in employment and commercial law, working across jurisdictions and sectors to resolve complex disputes, structure deals and advise clients on regulatory strategy. As research officer of the South African Sports Law Association, Tyrel is also advancing a national dialogue on sports law, policy and ethics. He has contributed legal commentary to Kickoff magazine, debated legal reform on Newsroom Afrika and SAfm, and advised on infrastructure and energy deals that support inclusive development. In 2024, Tyrel called it his “breakthrough year,” but those who know his journey see it as the natural result of discipline, community-rooted values, and a refusal to accept mediocrity. From the courtroom to the commentary desk, Tyrel is proving that the law can do more than punish or protect — it can empower, unlock investment, and rewrite inherited narratives.

Qualifications

  • Bachelor of Arts, University of the Witwatersrand
  • Bachelor of Laws, University of the Witwatersrand
  • Certificate in Sports Law, University of Pretoria
  • Sports Mediator – Mediation in Motion (MiM) Centre for Dispute Resolution in Sports (CDRS)
  • Advanced Trial Advocacy for Attorneys – Gawie Le Roux Institute for Law (Right of Appearance in the High Court of South Africa)

Achievements

  • Represented firm and a major South African logistics company at an international conference in New Delhi, India on Africa–India bilateral relations, exploring warehousing and regional expansion investment opportunities.
  • Interviewed by Deutschlandfunk Radio (Germany) on the future of South Africa–India cooperation.
  • Admitted as an attorney of the High Court of South Africa, achieving a major career milestone.
  • At Yingke Africa SA – Advised international clients on project finance, regulatory compliance, and corporate structuring – Drafted a Power Purchase Agreement for a waste-to-energy gas project, supporting infrastructure and sustainability goals – Advised on a Public-Private Partnership (PPP) model for asset ownership and transfer to improve service delivery – Provided cross-jurisdictional legal advice to an international state-owned bank on convertible bonds issued by its foreign parent company.
  • Appeared live on Newsroom Afrika discussing sentence reduction criteria in the VBS matter alongside former NPA Head Adv. Menzi Simelane.
  • Appeared on SAfm discussing legal recourse for spouses and families of murdered police officers.
  • Authored sports law articles for KickOff Online Magazine providing legal analysis on football-related matters.
  • Completed Advanced Trial Advocacy training, qualifying for right of appearance in the High Court of South Africa.

Mentors

Growing up, I didn’t have many role models around me — apart from my father, whom I still look up to and deeply admire. What shaped me in many ways was seeing what not to be: a community where high school dropouts, alcohol abuse and drugs were far too common. I consciously chose a different path. My parents became my first role models, embodying humility, hard work and sacrifice. I witnessed first-hand the lengths they went to in order to create a better life for my siblings and me. As a child, I also admired sporting figures such as Graeme Smith, Sachin Tendulkar and Wayne Rooney — for their discipline, resilience and leadership under pressure. As I grew older and entered the professional world, I drew inspiration from historical political figures such as Nelson Mandela, Malcolm X, Chris Hani and Mahatma Gandhi. Their selflessness, courage and principled leadership continue to shape how I view service, justice and sacrifice. In the legal and business space, I admire leaders such as Patrice Motsepe, who took an unorthodox path from law into business, creating opportunities, driving investment and leaving a legacy of economic empowerment. Their journeys inspire me to think beyond the traditional and lead with purpose.