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. I come from a big family of 9 kids and an adorable mother who was a widow at a young age.I am married to my beautiful wife Zeenat, and I am blessed with four amazing children, 3 girls and a boy.
· Tell us about your sporting career.
I started playing football for Al Amin. We were a group of friends studying to memorize the holy Quran and decided to form our own team. I then played for Thunderbirds FC and Birds FC in my junior career, as well as in the Senior League. Furthermore, I played for my school, Himalaya Secondary, and was selected for the PDFA District team. I retired early from football because of injuries and other commitments.
· How many years in the sporting field?
I have been in the sporting field for over 25 years. I have now retired completely from playing football with ongoing knee injuries.
· For all our readers, please tell us what attracted you to this sport?
I started playing street soccer with my brothers and people in the neighbourhood. I also attended soccer matches from a young age and from then I was in love with this beautiful game.
· What was your favourite victory and proudest moment?
My favourite victory was winning a tournament in the PDFA League. At that time, I was playing for Birds. We played Royal Hearts in the semi finals, who were unbeaten in the League and Cup and we met them in the semi-finals of a tournament. I was instrumental with an assist and scoring the winning goal. We ended up winning the game 3-2 to a jam- packed stadium. In those days our soccer grounds were packed to capacity. My proudest moment was when I scored a goal from the half way line, beating the best goalkeeper and the best team in the league, Manchester.
· How did you develop your skills?
I was very fortunate as I was born a natural soccer player, but it required hours of training with my team mates and coaches. I played league soccer as well as represented the district team in my juniors, so I sometimes used to do two training sessions in a day.
· Who is your greatest inspiration?
Obviously, our Prophet Muhammed (PBUH), but my football inspiration, without doubt, is Ryan Giggs. He is a legend of Manchester United and I used to watch every single match of his until he retired. His skills, ball control and passing were something out of this world. I guess that is where I got my tips for my midfield role. I was known to my friends as the Midfield Maestro.
”Football is easy when things are going well,
but when it is not, it becomes the biggest test” – Ryan Giggs
· What would you like the youth to take from your passion for the sports?
Don’t do drugs or sit glued at home with PlayStations. Soccer is such an amazing sport. It’s time to get back to the soccer fields and get the full enjoyment of this game. Respect each other on the field and also be a team player.
·What has this sport taught you off the field?
Discipline, self-determination, forgiveness and humility.
· What message would you like to give to our readers?
My message is that football is a sport that unites people from all parts of the world and also local communities, irrespective of race, colour or creed. Never give up, be committed, have mutual respect, build good character and create everlasting friends.
· Whom would you like to thank for your accolades?
Firstly, I would like to thank the Almighty as without His mercy and blessing I would not have achieved anything. I also want to thank all my colleagues, coaches, friends and especially all my family members and not forgetting my late brother, Rafyoodin for pushing me the extra mile. Thanks also to the Laudium Sun for promoting sport in the community.
