In Laudium Sun’s Veteran 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)
Soccer players have come and gone, amazing goals have ben scored and then forgotten, records have been broken and then reset… but, after four decades, Laudium’s living soccer legend, Arthur Rai, still holds one incredible record.
· Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born in Marabastad and we moved to Laudium in 1976. I went to school at Laudium High.
· Tell us a little about your family.
I am the youngest of eight children. I am married to Maroline and we are blessed with six children and six grandchildren.
· Tell us about your sporting career history.
I started playing soccer at a very young age. I played for Birds FC in the SASF and I played for Laudium United FC. I hold the record for scoring the most goals in a single season in 1982, a record that still stands today, after 40 years.
· How many years in the sporting field?
Almost most of my life, about 40 years.
· For our readers, please tell us what attracted you to this sport?
Everyone in Marabastad was automatically attracted to soccer.
· What was your favourite victory and proudest moment?
Being the highest goal scorer in a single season with 69 goals and that record still stands after 40 years.
· How did you develop your skill?
On the streets of Marabastad with the assistance of greats like Smiley Moosa and Vincent ‘Tantie’ Julius.
· Who is your greatest inspiration?
Smiley Moosa and my family.
·What would you like the youth to take from your passion for the sports?
Play sports, because it teaches you discipline and respect for others and yourself.
· What has this sport taught you off the field?
Self-discipline, respect and self-belief.
· What message would you like to give to our readers?
Be humble and believe in yourself.
· Whom would you like to thank for your accolades?
God, and people like Smiley Moosa, Haroon Moosa, Rashid Moosa, Suresh Singh and lastly, the late Siddique Ismail.
