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 more about yourself and your family.
We moved to Pretoria from Piet Retief in 1976. I schooled at Jacaranda Primary and matriculated at Himalaya Secondary. I am married to Shaynaz and we are blessed with 4 lovely children, a great son- in-law, an adorable daughter – in -law and 2 beautiful grand daughters…
· Tell us about your sporting career.
I started playing under 10 with Birds FC, then under 14 with Destroyers, under 16 with Shamrocks and under 18 at Aston Villa. I then played with Santos in the Seniors, moved on to play Castle 3rd division and completed my League Football at age 45 with Barcelona F.C.
· How many years in the sporting field?
I played League football for 35 years and Alhumdulillah I am still active on the social side, so a total of 43 years
· For all our readers, please tell us what attracted you to this sport?
My late father Hajee Osman Essa was an all round sportsman. For any child growing up there is no other inspiration. My father always provided for my needs in playing soccer and motivated me and coached me. As much time as he could spare, we spent at the grounds.
· What was your favourite victory and proudest moment?
Playing soccer for so many years there were many, but my proudest was at Barcelona F.C. We played a full strength Avion Spurs at the Laudium Stadium. We only had 8 players on the day and walked away with a 3- 2 victory…
· How did you develop your skills?
I was lucky as a junior to be coached by coaches with so much of love and passion for the beautiful game. Also, playing as much as I did helped in developing my skill and fitness.
· Who is your greatest inspiration?
My late father undoubtedly. Also all my coaches incl, uncle Mohamed, uncle Aziz, uncle Rafat & Goolam.
· What would you like the youth to take from your passion for the sports?
Nothing beats a great workout in any sport. Played for the right reasons you are in a win/win situation. Enjoyment, friendship, fitness and respect are things we learn in sport.
·What has this sport taught you off the field?
Play any sport in the correct spirit and life qualities follow you such as honesty, respect, humility and caring. These are all qualities needed on and off the field…
· What message would you like to give to our readers?
To all parents, please do not deprive your children of any sport they enjoy. They are dependent on us to make it possible. Coach them, motivate them and in doing so you are going to spend the best moments ever, while they are growing up. I frequent the grounds a lot. It is like home away from home. There are a lot of positive changes happening; there are a lot of individuals sacrificing their time for children and this beautiful sport. DON’T MISS OUT. BE THE CHANGE!
· Whom would you like to thank for your accolades?
First, always the Almighty. My late father, all my coaches and every team player in every match that I played. Without this support structure, none of this would be possible. Thanks also to the Laudium Sun for highlighting the sporting days of our legends.
