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 on July 15, 1966 in Marabastad. My father was Harry Singh and my mother is Dhanie Singh. We moved to Laudium that very same year. I attended Primary School no 3 then went to Jacaranda. In 1980 I went to Himalaya Secondary. After that, I went to Laudium Secondary. I later worked at the City Council of Pretoria. I am currently unemployed.
· Tell us a little about your family.
I am happily married and have two children; a daughter, Divana (25) who has two children, whom I love dearly, and a son, Praveer (20).
· Tell us about your sporting career history.
I started playing for Young Boys when they just started the club, but for only a few months. Then I went to Royal Hearts and played for a year with them, also when the club first started. Thereafter I went to Delfos FC, where I stayed.
· How many years in the sporting field?
Almost 45 years in the sporting field.
· For all our readers, please tell us what attracted you to this sport?
When I was younger, I used to attend soccer games with my late father, Harry Singh, where we watched Delfos, Pretorians and Swaraj and many more teams play. This is where I developed a keen interest in this sport.
· What was your favourite victory and proudest moment?
There was never a special proudest moment because all the games I played were my proudest moments, especially when you had the best people amongst you.
· How did you develop your skill?
I developed my skills through Delfos FC, with Uncle Dick and Uncle Magan, Mr Soma Diar, Pemjee, Ragen and Russel to name a few.
· Who is your greatest inspiration?
My dad was my inspiration, always telling me to do my best. My uncles Aunthraj and Bharath and undoubtedly Uncle Dick, Magan and Diar.
· What would you like the youth to take from your passion for the sports?
The value of friends and the importance of sports. It is never about winning or losing but to have fun (as Nava used to tell us).
·What has this sport taught you off the field?
Respect for others, FIRST HUMANITY then everything else.
· What message would you like to give to our readers?
There is nothing better than playing a sport where you share time with others. Parents should encourage their kids to take part in sports.
· Whom would you like to thank for your accolades?
My late father, Harry Singh, all the Delfos F.C. executive, currently my walking football family, also my wife, kids and the Laudium Sun.
