Could you start by telling us a little about your background such as if you were you a sporty person when you were younger, and how long you had a break from playing sports before you got involved with Walking Football?
I played soccer since the age of 8 years old.
I was a top striker in our league and represented my Province and later played professional football in South Africa for Santos F.C.
I would say that I was a useful striker scoring regularly and loved playing football. I was very active and very fit in thosed day training not less than 4 days a week.
I played soccer until the age of 35 years and broke my leg and decided to call it quits. I then got into cycling which I am still currently doing.
I have done many cycle race in and around Cape Town with distances of the races exceeding 100kms.
After being diagnosed with cancer I also started walking as in races and early in 2017 did my first half marathon. I normally do the 10km walks.
I am a usefull golfer and enjoy a round of golf and my handicap at present is 9.
I also belong to the Tottenham Hotspurs Supporters Club and also use them to create cancer awareness. I last coached soccer in 2015 and I have a D License.
How long have you played Walking Football?
5 months.
I have been introduced to Walking Football September 2017 by Ruddi Abrahams a close friend of mine for years.
I am very sorry to hear that you have had cancer. Can you explain to our readers who may be in the same situation, what, if any, are the negative impacts cancer has caused for you during a fitness session or playing a game of Walking Football?
In 2013 I was diagnosed with cancer on my vocal chords. I underwent many lazer operations to try and remove the cancer from my vocal chords.
In 2016 I had radiation treatment and in January 2017 I was given the good news that all cancer was removed.he problem.
I have is the with my breathing if I exert myself too much.
How many times a week do you take part in Walking Football sessions?
I play walking football 4 times a week and thoroughly enjoy every minute of it.
Do you always have a member present who has had first aid training at your games and training sessions, and is there a defibrillator available if needed?
Yes we do have a first aid kit present at all our games and no we do not have a defibrillator present.
What do you currently do in your training sessions that you think are important to avoid injury and do you need to take any additional safety precautions due to your medical condition?
The most important thing to do before any game or training sessions is to warm up correctly and do all the necessary stretches.
I have to make sure to keep my throat moist and drink lots of water.
Do you feel fitter and healthier since you have started playing Walking Football and how else has Walking Football helped you on a day to day basis?
I do feel happier as I meet most of my old team mates now at walking football and as for the fitness goes I am very active and do loads of other sporting activities to assist in keeping fit and healthy.
Has your social life changed since you started playing, and if so in what way?
My social life has improved drastically as I am more happier and excited to be on the field with my friends.
If you had not got involved with, and play, Walking Football how do you think your life would be different?
As I have been active most of the time my life would not have been changed so much only that the meeting up with friends and enjoying the lovely company and team spirit has definitely made a difference in my life.
Describe the buzz you get having the opportunity to play a team sport again?
I’m like a kid all over again my wife also loves seeing me in this joyful space that I am now. I cant wait for the next game and as I regard myself as one of the better players get into trouble a lot a I just get a thrill out of nutmegging my opponents and having a real laugh after the game.
Chris Osborn one of the bigger guys in our group was at the receiving end of one of my famous nutmegs and he wasn’t to pleased.
Have you played competitive Walking Football and, if so, in which tournaments / leagues?
No at the moment we are at the recreational stage of the game in Cape Town and we are busy taking the games to more areas before we start the competitive league.
Has your diet changed since you have started playing Walking Football? If so what is different?
Not actually, as I have been diagnosed with cancer I already started making changes to my diet and started eating more healthier foods.
Have you had any injuries playing and if so what were they?
Not any serious injuries (thank God), the injuries are mostly from the newcomers who forget about the non contact part of the game and they seem to trod on my feet occasionally.
What are your best and worst memories of playing Walking Football?
My best memories of Walking Football is that is allows me and my mates to play football again regardless of our age and sometimes shape(lol) and enjoy each others company rather than sit at home on the couch watching television.
The worst memories is when I have an appointment and have to miss out the session.
I am addicted to walking football.
What do you like most about Walking Football?
Being able to still kick and pass a ball at my age and enjoy it to the fullest (pardon the pun).
Being able to meet up with guys I played against years ago and now we all together.
What do you like least about Walking Football?
Nothing yet.
Do you find it difficult NOT to run and what advice could you give someone in how to remain at walking pace?
Yes I did find it difficult at first as I was a striker but because I could play well under instructions it help me being very disciplined not to run.
What are your goals for the future when playing Walking Football?
My goals going forward is to assist Walking Football Cape Town in spreading the game across the whole of South Africa, then across the African continent and to compete internationally and meet friends from abroad enjoying this phenomenal game of Walking Football.
What advice would you give to someone who would like to play but is nervous about approaching a club or attending a Walking Football session for the first time?
The first step is to try and get to the venue to watch the enjoyment the guys get from it and you will soon be hooked. In Cape Town we are currently trying to get as many ex-professionals to play the game then it will be easier for the other seniors to come, as most of them hear Walking Football and think we are crazy.
As soon as they have a taste of it they will never turn back.
What do your friends and family think about you playing Walking Football?
They are so pleased as the risk of injury is so minimal and they can see the difference in my body language when I talk about this beautiful game.
What are the costs involved in order for you to play Walking Football for footwear, kit and weekly session fees?
We contribute R150 per player per month towards the hiring of fields and whatever other costs are involved.
We also donate water and snacks for after our games.
My footwear cost R600 and it was originally bought for golf, but due to manufacture of it to last many kilometres its is really comfortable.
Anything else you’d like to share?
I am one of the ambassadors for Walking Football Cape Town and hope that this game will grow and I would like to be a part of the growth and share my knowledge and sometimes skills to assist in this regard.
Author: The Walking Football
You create the memories; we help you relive them forever!
