This week, we feature sporting legend, Poobalen 'Bobby/ Macbain' Pillay (73), formerly of Primrose Street, Laudium, now residing in Raslouw Gardens.

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)

Poobalen ‘Bobby/ Macbain’ Pillay (73).

Tell us more about yourself Uncle Bobby.
I was born in Marabastad and I moved to Laudium in the late 1960s. I’m a retired businessman, I attended Pretoria Boys High School in Marabastad.
· Tell us a little about your family.
I am a widower. I have three sons and one daughter, eight grandchildren, and one great grandchild.
·Tell us about your sporting career history.
I played soccer for Mohawks FC, and later captained for Delfos FC until I retired in 1975. I was approached to play PRO soccer for the Federation, but remained loyal to Delfos FC.
· How many years in the sporting field?
25 years.
·For all our readers, please tell us what attracted you to this sport?
My uncle Ramdas Pillay, who was a great player in his time, I used to watch him and other elders play.
· What was your favourite victory and proudest moment?
When Delfos FC beat Tigers FC from Joburg, 11-0 and I scored 7 goals. My proudest moment was when I was selected to play for Pretoria District XI on numerous occasions.
· How did you develop your skill?
Playing in the streets of Marabastad, regular training and watching our elders play.
· Who is your greatest inspiration?
Ramdas Pillay, Nithia Moodley, Gono Pillay, Basil Bhanabhai, Diar Soma, Babes Soma, Magan Ramjee and all my teammates at Delfos FC.
·What would you like the youth to take from your passion for the sports?
Be dedicated. Keep fit and have respect for all.
“Not for the glory but for the game”
·What has this sport taught you off the field?
Discipline, respect for all including your opposition and fair play.
·What message would you like to give to our readers?
In 1967, when playing for Mohawks FC, we were requested to merge with Delfos FC, as some of their players left the club and elders retired. It was Mohawks FC under the influence of Nithia Moodley that saved Delfos FC from disbanding.
·Whom would you like to thank for your accolades?
The Almighty, my parents, my late wife, children and grandchildren, my brother and his family and my teammates at Delfos FC and of course the Laudium Sun.