Sporting veterans prove their worth
At the third annual prize-giving, seven Newcastillians were awarded plaques for the role they played in sports development.
In the pursuit of excellence on the sports fields, Newcastle has its fair share of veterans who helped mould the sports world.
On November 28, the Sports Veterans’ Association hosted a lavish event at the Mahatma Gandhi Hall in Pietermaritzburg, where sports veterans from across Natal were awarded for their contribution to sport.
At the third annual prize-giving, seven Newcastillians were awarded plaques for the role they played in sports development.
Bassner van der Plank, Ismail Mohamed Moola, Selva Govender, Vincent Muthoo, Balraj Mohan, Roy Harrypersadh and Prem Naicker were all acknowledged for playing a pivotal role in sports development.
During Mr van der Plank’s illustrious soccer career, he represented Northern Natal at inter-provincial tournaments throughout the country, and played for Newcastle Dynamos in the South African Professional League.
Mr Moola, while unable to attend the awards ceremony, was awarded a plaque for his outstanding contribution as a player of Newcastle Ozones Football Club, as well as playing an instrumental role in the success of the Northern Natal soccer team that won the Sam China Cup in 1959.
Mr Muthoo received an award for his role in founding the Young Spurs Football Club, as well as playing soccer on a professional level for Newcastle Dynamos Football Club and Berea Football Club in the South African Federation Professional League.
Mr Harrypersadh played soccer for Newcastle Dynamos Football Club and Swaraj Football Club. Furthermore, he represented Northern Natal in the Kajee Cup.
Dr Naicker excelled on the cricket pitch in his youth and played for Essex Cricket Club. During his time on the pitch, Dr Naicker was the vice-captain for the Northern Natal team, as well as administrator in both KwaZulu-Natal Inland and KwaZulu-Natal cricket unions.
Selva Govender, who has since passed away, was a goalkeeper for the Newcastle United Football Club in his formative years. Mr Govender was also a key figure in the successful soccer team that won the Sam China Cup in 1959.
Balraj Mohan, now deceased, played for Newcastle Stella and was instrumental in the team that won the Sam China Cup in 1959.
