BAFANA Bafana made history last week to progress to the Round of 32 for the first time in World Cup history.

The global tournament takes place in the US, Canada, and Mexico and features 104 matches spanning four time zones.

This week we speak to former Bloemfontein Celtic goalkeeper and Umgeni Park resident Thabani Stemmer.

Born in Diepkloof, Soweto, Thabani ‘Sparks’ Stemmer began playing football at an early age. He started his professional career at the Orlando Pirates academy in 1997 and eventually graduated to the first team. He went on to represent several clubs, including SuperSport United, Bloemfontein Celtic, Black Leopards and Golden Arrows.

The 48-year-old has one international cap for Bafana Bafana where he featured in one of the games of the CONCACAF Gold Cup against Jamaica.

He was given the nickname Sparks after the legendary Patson ‘Sparks’ Banda who is regarded as one of the country’s best shot-stoppers. “Ironically I grew up as a Kaizer Chiefs supporter through my grandfather. He was a staunch supporter, I only changed my allegiances when I joined the Pirates academy. Now my blood is black and white,” he said.

Since his retirement, Stemmer is still involved in football and now coaches Northwood School. He also coaches the All Stars ladies team and at Westville Old Boys club.

Who is going to win the World Cup?

“I’ve been following England quite closely. Since their solitary win in 1966 there have been times when their fans have been saying the cup is coming home. I think this year they may actually do it based on the quality of the players and their coach Thomas Tuchel. A dark horse for me though is that Brazilian side. Carlo Ancelotti is an incredible coach and their forwards are quite formidable with the likes of Vinicius and co.”

What is your earliest football World Cup memory?

“It has to be the 1994 World Cup in the USA. During that tournament I was supporting Italy. They had such class players like Roberto Baggio, Roberto Donadoni, Franco Baresi. That is a standout for me because if you remember the final, involving Baggio missing a penalty, that saw Brazil lift the World Cup trophy.”

What did representing your country mean to you?

“It meant a lot. Even though it was one appearance I considered myself lucky. So many players hope to one day represent their country. As a young boy I always wished to represent my country and I did that fortunately. I will always be grateful to coach Stuart Baxter and Alex Heredia, the goalkeeping coach, for their faith in me.”

How do you rate Bafana’s performances?

“I’ve been rooting for Bafana since game one. As a former goalkeeper I’m also fully behind Ronwen Williams and it’s so pleasing seeing him keep a clean sheet. I believed they would make it out of the group stages. We have a quality coach and the team has been great.”

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