It’s painful that some are no longer with us – Tovey
Former Bafana Bafana captain Neil Tovey said it will be a bitter-sweet moment when the Afcon winning class of 1996 has a reunion on Sunday evening at Sun City Resort.
Neil Tovey
The Class of ’96 are to be inducted into Sun International/Samsung Hall of Fame.
Tovey – who is now the technical director for Safa – was the captain when Bafana beat Tunisia 2-0 at FNB Stadium on February 3, 1996 with Mark Williams scoring both goals.
“We left a legacy and now that we are being honoured for it is wonderful,” said Tovey. “This is for our children’s children because when we are no longer around they can come to the Hall of Fame and see what their grandfathers did,” he added.
‘Mkhukhu’ as Tovey was affectionately called by the supporters back then, said what made the crowning moment even sweeter was that they had to put in great effort.
“It was through good team effort. It was not just about winning one or two games and you have it. We are honoured and privileged to be inducted but we earned it,” said the 55-year-old.
Two members of the team – Sizwe Motaung and John “Shoes” Moshoeu – have since passed on and Tovey said this sours the occasion a little bit.
“That is obviously sad. Their families will be here with us tonight. We always think about Sizwe and Shoes. They are in our thoughts on a daily basis. It is sad that they are not here but that is how life is and we have to accept it,” he said.
