In Laudium Sun’s Sporting Enthusiasts column, we feature interviews with veteran sporting fanatics, from within the community, who promoted sporting fervour in their respective fields… (Veteran sporting enthusiasts are invited to send their details to info@laudiumsun.co.za)
·Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born on 3rd Str, in Marabastad & grew up on Jewel Str, in Laudium. I now reside in Parkwood, Jhb. I am married to Nadia & we have 3 kids; Imaan, Danyaal & Zahra. I am part of the family real estate business, in Jhb.
· Tell us something about your family.
I was born into a family of immense sporting talent. My father, Hassen, and his brothers were sporting icons in their time & although they excelled at all sporting codes they participated in, football is what consumed most of their time. Similarly, although I excelled at athletics and was a good tennis & cricket player, soccer is what I enjoyed the most.
·Tell us about your sporting career history.
My soccer journey began together with my talented Moosa cousins, Zane & Riaz, playing for Young Boys, U8. As the only “Indian” team playing in the White Northern Transvaal Junior Soccer League, my two cousins and I were selected to play for the provincial team in the annual Interprovincial Tournament. This achievement continued through age groups U10, 12, 14 & 16, until Zane & I made history, as the first 2 “Indian” boys to be selected for a South African Springbok U16 School Soccer Team, in 1984. Arcadia Shepherds signed me at age 17 to play in the NSL. I spent much of my time warming the bench & making only brief appearances as a substitute, so my impatience caused me to sign up with Laudium Birds in the rival Non-White controlled Federation Soccer League, where I enjoyed playing & quickly earned a reputation as an attacking left midfielder. At Birds, playing with my older cousins, Mickey & Shido was a delightful time for me. I was offered a soccer scholarship in 1986 by Wits University, to study law & play for the varsity team. My exploits in the Fed League continued & with Smiley Moosa installed as the coach, my skill improved to a higher level until Cape Town’s Santos approached me to join them in the unified PSL. I put my studies on hold and moved to Cape Town where I spent a few months hoping to follow in Zane’s footsteps at Sundowns, as a household name. Regrettably, my impatience didn’t allow me to stay more than 4 months. I then casually played for Moroka Swallows & Pretoria City. Plagued by an ankle & achilles injury, I quit the professional scene to play amateur football whenever the chance arose.
·How many years in the sporting field?
I’m still playing soccer.
·For all our readers, please tell us what attracted you to this sport?
My style of football was influenced by the soccer luminaries of the 80’s & early 90’s. Zico & Platini shaped my style of movement, control & balance. Maradonna was the best of the lot. I’ve also admired Pele, Zidane, Messi & Ronaldo.
·What was your favourite victory and proudest moment?
Having won many accolades, my fondest memories are of playing alongside my Moosa cousins, Riaz, the brothers Smiley, Zane, Shido & Mickey. Had it not been for apartheid, our immense talents would easily have been showcased on an international stage.
·How did you develop your skill?
My dad was my greatest inspiration, instilling in me a desire to understand the intricacies of the game and seeking to fulfil maximum enjoyment from every outing.
· Who is your greatest inspiration?
Eddie Naidoo, Siddique Ismail, Ebrahim Patel, Nazir (Numpies) Dawood, Hassen Mohideen & Dabla Essop, are just a few of many names, who contributed to my career in soccer, in Laudium.
· What would you like the youth to take from your passion for the sports?
Playing sport has its shelf life. To participate with a code of respect, dignity & honour while you are able to enjoy your time on the field is essential to fulfilment. Sport is not a matter of life & death. More pressing issues, like being of good moral character & selfless service to others will define you better than any exploits on a sporting field.
·What has this sport taught you off the field?
Experience taught me the harsh lesson that despite my football talent, without hard work & focus, a good outcome is not achievable.
·Whom would you like to thank for your accolades?
The Almighty. May He allow us to actualise our potential as human beings to be dutiful to Him first & emerge from this pandemic as better servants of humanity.
