I was desperate to exchange with Iniesta

Congratulations to Julian Mixon whose emailed submission on “most valuable financial tip” was selected by Capitec as the best story to come in from a Soccer Laduma reader. As this month’s winner, Mixon was able to submit a list of players – current and legends – he would like to have answering his questions. Dean Furman was on that list and was more than happy to field questions submitted to him by Mixon. Soccer Laduma put Mixon’s great questions to Furman which resulted in this interview where Furman talks about his career highlights as well as his toughest opponent in the Absa Premiership.

Mixon question: You were born in South Africa and moved to the UK as a kid. What made you decide to play for Bafana Bafana & return to SA to play in the PSL?

Dean Furman: Well, off course, I was born here; this is the country of my birth and, even though I wasn’t known in South Africa, I had to work very hard. I was very happy when coach Gordon Igesund gave me my first Bafana Bafana call-up. What helped me also was my profile and newspapers like Soccer Laduma also made it easy for me. I am not sure if he watched my videos or someone recommended me to him, but I can tell you now, it is one of the highlights of my career. It was something that I always dreamed of and I never really thought it was ever going to happen.

Mixon question: Was there anything that took you by surprise in the local game in terms of speed, skill and physicality?

Dean: I grew up playing a very different style of football and I came to a very different type of atmosphere and the skill that some players possess here, the speed of the game and the individual brilliance of players impressed me. The game here is very open and end-to-end, whereas, in the UK, the game is more physical and there’s a lot of balls in the air. I must admit it was very difficult for me when I started playing here, but I adapted eventually and I am enjoying my game.

Mixon question: Who has been your toughest opponent and why?

Dean: If we go from midfielder to midfielder, I would say Hlompho Kekana – he is such a good player. His long-range passes and long-range shots are amazing. But, overall, I think Khama Billiat is in a world of his own. He is a very good footballer with skill, football brains and pace.

Mixon question: You have played with a number of quality midfielders in and for SA – who have you enjoyed playing with the most and why?

Dean: I think the one player that stands out is Yeye (Reneilwe Letsholonyane). He is a rare kind of a player. I started playing with Yeye when I was still playing in England and we were selected together for Bafana Bafana before he joined me here at SuperSport United. He can do the defensive work, the attacking and his accurate passing is also top-notch. His through balls are amazing, man. Even today, Yeye is the fittest player in the team despite his age. It’s really inspiring for me to play with a South African legend like him.

Mixon question: We have struggled as a nation to qualify and perform in major tournaments like the World Cup and AFCON and yet there are times when we play quality football. What must be done to improve this trend?

Dean: Well, that’s sadly one of my biggest disappointments of Bafana Bafana since I was involved in the last five or six years. We can play well and you might have seen how we did against big countries like Senegal and Nigeria. We know that we can match the big guns of football, but I just think that we need to become more ruthless in our approach and we need to find that winning mentality to take Bafana to the next level. Mixon question: Do you remember your first professional game? Please describe it for us... Dean: YesYes, I was playing for Glasgow Rangers in Scotland. I was sitting on the bench, and there was an injury to one of the midfielders at the start of the second half and they threw me on. I wasn’t expecting it. My first touch was brilliant. I then took a run in midfield and played the ball wide. That game really encouraged me to want to play every week.

Mixon question: Soccer players are always exchanging jerseys. Which is your most prized of these?

Dean: Unfortunately, I haven’t managed to exchange any jerseys so far. I was desperate to exchange with Andres Iniesta when we played Spain in a friendly match here in South Africa, but unfortunately, they were not willing to swap. It was going to be the most prized had I got it because I admire how Iniesta plays the game. He is a legend. The way he makes football so easy is adorable. I have some nice pictures of me tackling Iniesta from that game though and that is something I cherish. I also have my images playing against Steven Gerrard, whom I think was the best midfielder of my generation. I mean, even though it’s just pictures, they mean a lot to me. Mixon question: The life of a professional soccer player is limited and it scares me how few are prepared for the day they stop playing. What do you have planned once you hang up your boots? Dean: Yeah, look, I have three properties in England and I am looking at buying few more. I’m very smart with my finances and properties are a good business. Mixon parting shot: Dean, thank you once again for your time! You are a true South African champion. I wish you well for the remainder of the season and a lifetime of blessings.