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’m the youngest of our siblings. I’m the only child who was born in Laudium, the others were all born in Claremont. I started schooling at Jacaranda Primary, then went on to Andrew Anthony. After that I went to Laudium High, and completed my matric at Himalaya Secondary.
· Tell us a little about your family.
We are four brothers and two sisters, I’m married to Anuradha Chetty, and we are blessed with two children, Kailash and Ranjitha.
·Tell us about your sporting career history.
I started playing soccer in Laudium from junior ranks. I played for Young Eagle FC, and continued playing up to the Semi-Professional League (Transvaal Soccer Board). Then I started my own soccer team called Ramblers FC, where I played and coached. I encouraged more youngsters to join the team. I represented the PDFA in the Provincial Championship, then in 1988 after being involved in a major car accident, while I was in a pre-season trial with Witbank Black Aces FC, I was forced to end my soccer career journey, due to a broken ankle and shoulder, although sport was still my passion. In 1989 after rehabilitation, I started road running. In 1990, I ran five of the major Outrun Marathons, starting off with Om Die Dam (50Km), Two Oceans Marathon (56km), Comrades Marathon (89Km), then City to City (50Km) and Middleburg to Loskop (50Km). I have completed 11 Comrade Marathons, 10 Two Oceans Marathons and 10 Loskop Marathons, with a permanent green number and two permanent blue numbers.
· How many years in the sporting field?
46 years in various sporting fields.
· For all our readers, please tell us what attracted you to this sport?
I think with any youngster, sports always begins at school, but also my father was a good soccer player. He supported us very much.
· What was your favourite victory and proudest moment?
From the soccer point of view, it was when we beat the three top soccer teams in Laudium while playing for Ramblers, and from a runners point of view, my proudest moment was when I completed the Comrade Marathon.
· How did you develop your skill?
Playing with my siblings and also continuous practicing.
· Who is your greatest inspiration?
Vella Pillay, my father and my brothers (Satha, Krish and late Sathia).
· What would you like the youth to take from your passion for the sports?
I always believed that a healthy body develops a healthy mind. You need to develop holistically, study hard and also play sports.
· What has this sport taught you off the field?
It gave me a sense of discipline and appreciation, applauding your opponents, even when losing.
· What message would you like to give to our readers?
Do everything in moderation.
· Whom would you like to thank for your accolades?
God Almighty, my parents and my wife who always supported me in the marathons.
