Farewell to a football icon
LOCAL football legend Poobalen “Bull” Govender – who revolutionised the local football fraternity with innovation, inspiration and perspiration – died recently of heart failure. The Isipingo-born icon was 61.
Govender began his playing career at the age of 16 for Sayan Spurs Football Club in 1972, before joining Malabar Sports Club, Lincoln City, Reunion Santos and Colleens Athletics football clubs, under the banner of the Isipingo & District Football Association.
In 1979, he was voted Player of the Year by the same association. Being such a talented footballer and personality, the executive committee approached him to join Manning Rangers on trial. Unfortunately, due to financial constraints he decided to devote his amateur playing career to Isipingo.
Govender committed himself to the promotion of amateur football under the difficult days of apartheid and was even elected the senior team captain of Isipingo & District Football’s Inter-District XI.
Govender, having played football in Isipingo over three decades, has proved to be player with great character. He was also likeable and popular.
spoke to Govender’s former colleague, Ronnie Vengan, administrator and former president of the Isipingo & District Football Association. Vengan provided more insight into the man himself. “I have served Isipingo & District Football Association for over 50 years and always enjoyed listening to Bull’s sound suggestions and positive contributions,” said Vengan.
In 2014, Govender came up with the idea to host a soccer reunion for players from yesteryear.
“I ran with it and it proved to be very successful through the co-ordination of another colleague, Mark Gounder. After the reunion, I suggested to Bull that we form a team called Isipingo Soccer Legends to play on a social basis and commemorate the glory years,” added Vengan.
Govender worked tirelessly to contact former Isipingo players and formed an over-50 side, which was eventually formally established in 2016.
“I had the privilege of being chief executive of Isipingo Soccer Legends, with Gounder as chairperson and Bull as public relations officer. We affiliated the team with the KZN over-50 league and in our first year ended fifth on the table.”
The membership of Isipingo Soccer Legends, a well-structured club, stands at 60.
On today’s local footballing youth and the future, Vengan lamented the situation.
“Sadly, there are no administrators to steer the ship as there is still a demand for junior football. The state of soccer in KwaZulu-Natal and Isipingo is in chaos. There seems to be two soccer associations in every area, which confuses the soccerites.”
There is no doubt that legends such as Govender leave a huge void in the community. A true gem who will be sorely missed, on and off the field.
Govender’s 16th-day memorial service will take place on Friday at the eManzimtoti Civic Hall at 5pm.