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 in 1971 at the Holy Cross Nursing home in Claremont. We moved to Laudium in 1973, where I attended Laudium High School.
· Tell us about your family.
I am one of four siblings; two sisters, one brother and myself. I’m married to Charmaine, and we have one daughter.
·Tell us about your sporting career history.
I started my career in 1983/4 playing for Eagles FC. Then I played for Royal Hearts FC and Birds FC professionally.
·How many years in the sporting field?
36 years.
· For all our readers, please tell us what attracted you to this sport?
I had a natural passion and desire to play soccer.
·What was your favourite victory and proudest moment?
My proudest moments were; beating Rafficks FC in winning the Essops Cup in 1990, as well as the Ummah Cup against Swaraj FC.
· How did you develop your skill?
I started playing on the streets of Laudium, the area particularly known as ‘White Blocks’ as early as the 1980s. We also played at the Laudium cemetery before playing at the Laudium stadiums as well as in other provinces during soccer tournaments.
· Who is your greatest inspiration?
I watched players like Bryan Robson, Norman Whiteside and locally, Humpoo, who inspired me.
·What would you like the youth to take from your passion for the sport?
To participate, keep fit and stay healthy.
· What has this sport taught you off the field?
It has taught me to really enjoy the sport while the going is good, because time goes by very quickly.
·What message would you like to give to our readers?
Stay humble, be kind, do good and help whenever you can.
·Whom would you like to thank for your accolades?
I would like to thank the late Destry Bhana, Vigie Naidoo and my friends whom I played with.
