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)
· Tell us a little about yourself.
I was born in Heidelburg. We moved to Laudium in 1963, where I attended Laudium Secondary School. I have been in the banking industry about 40 years, which I have recently retired from. I am a Spurs soccer fan.
· Tell us a little about your family.
I am the youngest of nine siblings and I am married to Nadya. I have two children.
· Tell us about your sporting career history.
I played in the streets of Laudium. Thereafter I joined Ghostown Aces and played at the Jaffer Stadium. I joined the Delfos team at the age of eleven and played for their senior team at the age of fourteen in the Jo’burg League. I joined Aces United FC in 1983, and played a season for Young Eagles in the TSB League as well as for Royal Hearts in the PDFA League.
· How many years in the sporting field?
I have over fifty years’ experience in the field.
· For our readers, please tell us what attracted you to this sport?
Playing as a youngster in the streets, as well as listening to overseas soccer games on the radio.
· What was your favourite victory and proudest moment?
My proudest moments were: winning a few Cups with Aces United, a Knock-out Cup with Young Eagles FC in 1984 in the TSB League and winning the Treble with Royal Hearts in the PDFA League.
· How did you develop your skill?
Practising daily and playing in the streets.
· Who is your greatest inspiration?
My greatest inspiration was the three wise men of Delfos; Uncle Diar Soma, Nithia Moodley and Magan as well as Greg Mooloo of Aces.
· What would you like the youth to take from your passion for the sports?
Train hard, keep fit and have self-discipline.
· What has this sport taught you off the field?
To be humble and to treat everyone with respect.
· What message would you like to give to our readers?
Play fair and be a team player. Show respect. Enjoy every game that you play and give your best in every game.
· Whom would you like to thank for your accolades?
Firstly God, my supportive family and friends, the three wise men of Delfos, Greg Mooloo and the Laudium Sun for this column.
