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 or to shaheenwahab4@gmail.com).
· Tell us more about yourself and your family.
I grew up in Laudium and come from a family of three children. I am happily married to my beautiful and loving wife Aneesa and am blessed with 3 kids, 2 girls and a boy.
· Tell us about your sporting career.
I started playing football at the age of 6, for Young Spurs in the PDFA League, and I enjoyed many great years with this club. I then joined Pretorians and as time moved along, I was promoted to the Senior League at the age of 15. I then played for Laudium Aces, Royal Hearts, Sundowns and finally Chelsea FC . Furthermore, I played for the school soccer team and was selected for the PDFA District Team, when I played in the Junior Leagues.
· How many years in the sporting field?
I have been in the sporting field for over 36 years. I have now retired completely, from playing football.
· For all our readers, please tell us what attracted you to this sport?
I started playing street soccer with my friends and people in the neighbourhood, which was a norm those years. But mainly, my uncles formed a team which was for all the nephews and that was my introduction to playing soccer in the League. I also attended soccer matches from the age of 6 and that just had me loving this amazing game.
· What was your favourite victory and proudest moment?
There have been so many over the years and it is always very difficult. But the one that comes to mind is when we played a Mini World Cup tournament. I was with Pretorians and we were drawn to be the ‘India’ team. We played many matches and against some fierce opposition and we ended 3rd overall runners-up. I enjoyed playing different positions in the tournament and also played as goalkeeper when our goalkeeper was red carded. I made some incredible saves against ‘Argentina’ to see us go to the knock-out stages. My proudest moment is slightly off soccer, when I played basketball for United School Sports of South Africa (USASA) and I was selected to play for a tournament at the Cape Town University. I represented Gauteng and we ended up 3rd in the tournament. From a soccer perspective my proudest moment was when I was voted Player of the Tournament whist playing for Sundowns.
· How did you develop your skills?
I was born as a natural athlete in many sports and soccer was fortunately one of the sports. But, it still required hours of training with my team mates and coaches. I also used to always walk around with a soccer ball and constantly improved my skills at home and on the soccer grounds. Practice makes perfect.
· Who is your greatest inspiration?
Obviously, our Prophet Muhammed (SAW), but my football inspiration without a doubt is Cristiano Ronaldo. He is a legend of Manchester United and Real Madrid and has conquered world football. He is arguably one of the best footballers of all time. His skills, ball control and passing are something out of this world.
“If you don’t believe you are the best, then you will never achieve what you are capable of. ”
– Cristiano Ronaldo.
· What would you like the youth to take from your passion for the sports?
Let us stop doing drugs. Soccer is such an amazing sport. It`s time to get back to the soccer fields and get the full enjoyment of this beautiful game. Respect each other on and off the field.
·What has this sport taught you off the field?
Discipline, forgiveness and humility.
· What message would you like to give to our readers?
My message to the readers is that football is a sport that unites people from all parts of the world, also local communities, irrespective of race, colour or creed. Never give up on your dreams and also always do your best. You must also have a positive mind set and you will excel.
· Whom would you like to thank for your accolades?
Firstly, I would like to thank the Almighty as without His mercy and blessings I would not have achieved anything at all. I would also like to thank all my colleagues, coaches, friends and especially all my family members and not forgetting my manager at Chelsea, Faadila Rocker for all her encouragement, always. Last, but not least, I want to thank the Laudium Sun for this great opportunity and also for promoting sport within our community.
