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 and raised in Marabastad, and hale from the number 9 family on Boom Street. I attended Pretoria Boys High School. We moved to Laudium in 1969.
· Tell us a little about your family.
My wife Begum is late. I have two daughters, one son and four grandchildren.
·Tell us about your sporting career history.
I started playing soccer for Iqbals United FC as a youngster, I also played for Mohawks FC, Delfos FC and Laudium Athletic FC.
· How many years in the sporting field?
20 years
· For all our readers, please tell us what attracted you to this sport?
Like most soccer players, I played in the streets of Marabastad and often went to the soccer grounds to watch the elders play. That got me interested in the sport.
· What was your favourite victory and proudest moment?
When playing for Laudium Athletic FC, I scored the winning goal against Eagles FC in the knockout final in 1968, winning 3-2.
· How did you develop your skill?
By watching the likes of Boet Gamer, Mohamed Bagus, Basil Bhanabai, Diar Soma, Nithia Moodley, the Moosa brothers, Viggie Naidoo, Eddie Naidoo, Ingle and Melvin Singh,Toomie Pillay, Bernard Hartze, Tantie Julius, Roy Fisher, Hassan Malyta, the Soma brothers and a host of other soccer players too numerous to mention. I can say that Marabastad had a lot of great soccer players.
· Who is your greatest inspiration?
My father Sheikh Mohamed Omar, Uncle Hoossein Ismail, Amdha and Ebrahim Mohideen, Imam Gafoor (Putu) family, Razak Ismail, Ossie Mohideen, Steve Alimia family, Gona (no 9) Ismail, Hamid Ismail, Lallie Mooloo family, Baktawar family, Stanley Naidoo family and our entire Pretoria community.
· What would you like the youth to take from your passion for the sports?
Be respectful, be disciplined, train regularly and keep fit.
· What has this sport taught you off the field?
To be humble, loyal, respect your opposition and remember football is a team sport, so be a team player.
· What message would you like to give to our readers?
Play fair, always shake your opposition’s hand after the game, show sportsmanship, and be respectful and sincere.
· Whom would you like to thank for your accolades?
The Almighty, my parents, my brothers and sisters, my late wife Begum, my children and grandchildren and the Laudium Sun for this column.
Circled: Moosa (No 9) Mohamed
