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 at the Holy Cross Hospital, in Lady Selborne. We lived in Marabastad and moved to Laudium in 1966.
· Tell us a little about your family.
I am a father of nine children; 6 sons and 3 daughters. I have 6 grandchildren.
· Tell us about your sporting career history.
When I was 8 years old, I started playing street soccer. Then, the following year, I started playing at Jaffer Stadium for Rafficks FC. When they finally built our own stadiums, I started playing for Rainbow Aces FC, then I played for Rastafarian FC and thereafter for Royal Hearts FC, the most famous team in Laudium. We played in the Eastern Transvaal League. I left Royal Hearts and played for Laudium Aces FC and the following year for Sundowns FC. In the year 2000, I was the coach for Total Chaos FC and coached two lady’s teams, A and B. The A team were League champions for two seasons and were promoted to the Castle League. Those were the best two years of my life. I would like to thank Maylene and Melia for giving me the opportunity.
· How many years in the sporting field?
± 45 years.
· For our readers, please tell us what attracted you to this sport?
My family and friends, who were also into sports. We would watch the elders playing then get hooked onto soccer.
·What was your favourite victory and proudest moment?
My favourite victory was when we beat Rafficks FC, 1-0. Gopes Kandasamy scored the winning goal in the dying minutes of the game. And my proudest moment was with Laudium Sundowns, where we made a clean sweep, taking the League and four tournaments in one season.
·How did you develop your skill?
Playing barefoot in the streets with a tennis ball, regular training and always watching Delfos FC and Pretorians FC playing on Sundays. Both teams played Pro-soccer.
· Who is your greatest inspiration?
First of all, I would like to say thank you to Yega Naidoo, Koopie Naidoo, Lal Govender, Sandra Pillay, Uncle Vigee Naidoo, Sathia Pillay, Kartl Pillay and the late Nampies Dawood and Greg Mooloo. These were all the people who always motivated me.
· What would you like the youth to take from your passion for the sports?
To the youth – at your age, you have more opportunities to showcase your skills. Stay away from drugs and alcohol.
· What has this sport taught you off the field?
To respect all, including your opposition team and to play fair.
·What message would you like to give to our readers?
There are a lot of opportunities for the youth in our country. Support your children towards these and help them to gain confidence.
·Whom would you like to thank for your accolades?
The Almighty, all the people who supported me
