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 Uncle Silva.
I was born in Grand Street, Marabastad. I played senior soccer for Swaraj FC, trained judo with instructor Pear, joined a black karate club at Club-Bel-Air and became a good street fighter. In 1974, I moved to Durban, trained at a Karate Dojo and obtained a black belt 1st Dan.
·Tell us a little about your family.
I am married to Vathenaigee. We have three loving sons, Santhan, Thashan and Sudashan, our daughter- in -law, Nicole and two grandchildren Kara and Dia.
·Tell us about your sporting career history.
In 1979, I travelled to Japan and studied Goju karate under Hansi (10th Dan) Gogen Kamaguchi. Students ran 5 km at 6am every morning, then a 3 hour training session. This 3 hour training session was repeated every evening. I graded to 2nd dan Black Belt. I returned to Durban and established Santhan Karate. The club logo was; ‘ONE FIST, ONE STRENGTH’. I taught karate at the University of Durban, Westville, M.L Sultan Technical College and Sastri College. In 1982, my family and I returned to Laudium. I established Dojos at various venues with a low fee structure.
·How many years in the sporting field?
Plus / minus 45 years in all 3 codes of sport.
· For all our readers, please tell us what attracted you to this sport?
The self-discipline, the self belief. Karate is a flow of beautiful movements. A oneness of mind and body-balance.
·What was your favourite victory and proudest moment?
I was the only foreign student chosen to participate in an all style Japan karate tournament – category-Kumitay (free style fighting).Sansai Wakaku Yamaguchi (F) tutored me in Kata. The need to understand and practice correct breathing techniques.
·How did you develop your skill?
I went early to training sessions and did Kumitay with many senior grade students allowing my opponents to hit me. This conditions the mind to absorb pain and release fear.
·What was your greatest inspiration?
When I lived in Marabastad, I went to the CAN bookstore and paged through endless karate magazines. The saying ,‘Where there is a will, there is a way’ was always on top of my mind.
·What would you like the youth to take from your passion for the sports?
You are special. You can make your own pathway if there is no pathway to follow. Believe in yourself!
·What has this sport taught you off the field?
Give of yourself freely to improve and assist others. Respect all races. Nothing succeeds like success.
·What message would you like to give to the readers?
During the Covid19 crisis too many adults are not wearing masks. Look after the children, they are the flowers of our future. Missing Laudium Golden Stars Senior Citizen Club, members. Care for yourself until we meet again and continue with our karate.
·Whom would you like to thank for your accolades?
I have spent many years and hundreds of hours teaching karate. I thank my wife Vathenaigee for her selflessness and understanding. Om Shakti. Om Sai Ram.

Sylverriath (Silva) Pillay, during his younger days.