Doc’s memory bank: I’m just glad I’ve got this platform…

I remember when we played Tunisia, in 1996 Afcon, and it was still goalless, Bra Phil came to me and said, “Doki, we really need you boy! This is the time and the moment we need you the most. Please go out there and show me what you can do. I know you have it within you to win this game for us, just go out there and show me… I know you, just go out there and do what I know you’re capable of. I know you can win us this trophy and put smiles on our people’s faces. Clive has spoken, but I really want you to show me something special.” He was busy rubbing ice on the back of my head for the better part of half-time. When someone as calm and respectful as BraPhil makes such a request on behalf of the nation, the last thing you want to do is to disappoint him. His words rang in my ears for the whole second half and made me realise that this guy sees something in me that I might not even be aware of, for him to speak to me the way he did. My heart bleeds when I think about the way this gentle giant has been thrown onto the scrapheap of South African football history. I’m just glad I’ve got this platform to give him his flowers while he can still smell them.

I know this is going to surprise a lot of people, but that’s just how I am, never predictable! This week, I have decided to feature someone I have never played with, but he is someone I really admire in football. He recently retired from football after servicing our archrivals, Orlando Pirates, with flying colours. I know most of you wouldn’t even think of him as my friend, but when you talk about L ucky L ekgwathi, you’re talking about professionalism at its best! What ahumble and respected gentleman he is! A captain of honour and a young man who has done tremendously well for every club he has played for. A man who doesn’t smoke nor drink alcohol. A man who took his game and retirement to another level, having learned from those who were there before him. L ucky comes from humble beginnings, having started his professional career at RiaStars and finished as one of the best and most successful captains we’ve ever seen at club level. How he carries himself is something a lot of people can learn from. When I think of L ucky, now as a friend and brother, I’m amazed and humbled to see the ground he has covered both during his playing days and now as a businessman. He once told me he always wants to be on my sight so that I can mentor him and it is both strange and interesting that I ended up learning from him as much as he’s learning from me. During our legends’ games, we always share special moments and he remains this humble and respected player to this day. L ook, not even once have I ever heard or seen L ucky arguing or shouting at anyone because he’s such ahumble and friendly guy. I must say, I am very proud of the man L ucky has turned out to be and I want to commend Orlando Pirates for their role in grooming him to be who he is today. They produced not just a captain but a leader, fatherfigure, brother, great friend and a businessman in L ucky. He’s a good role model to a lot of our younger and even older players. L ucky, you know how I feel about you and the things we always discuss, but I want to tell you in front of everyone that you must keep doing what you are doing. People are watching and learning from you, myself included, and you are a good friend and abrother even though you are younger than me. We want to see more of our current and future stars behave like you by learning from you.