Clover Cup victories outshine all others

Daya Govender in 1986 with numerous trophies he was awarded by the Kharwastan Woodhurst Football Association that year, including the Super League, Open KO Cup, Clover Cup, Kufa Cup and ‘manager of the year’ award. Govender in more recent times wearing his national blazer.

THE highlight of Daya Govender’s journey in the beautiful game of football was winning the Clover Cup in 1968 as the club captain of Saints FC, and then winning the same tournament in 1986 as manager of the club.

The 75-year-old, who played as a right fullback during his heyday in football, was born in Fynnland (Fisherman’s Village) and moved to Overport in 1960.

“I have zeal and passion for this beautiful game of football” said Govender while discussing his love for the game.

While in Overport, Govender played for Sparks United FC, alongside the likes of Robin Bhagwat, Gaff Osman, Claude Lazarus, Preston Julius and Kenneth Steyn.

After moving to Chatsworth in 1965, Govender became one of the founding members of Saints FC, along with the late Raju Naidoo and Gokul Pather.

As a player, Govender went on to have a lengthy spell as captain of the side, occupying the role for a period of 15 years, between 1965-1980.

In addition to skippering Saints FC to Clover Cup glory, he also helped them to win the Pine Mohamed KO Cup, which was one of the biggest football tournaments in KZN at the time.

Naidoo was one of Govender’s footballing role-models, and was his manager while he captained the Saints team, and general manager when he started managing the team.

Govender would also go on to become a Springbok player when he represented the South African Indians team during the 1970s.

“I represented the Chatsworth FA in the inter-district tournament and Southern Natal and the SA Indians team in the 1970 South African games in Johannesburg,” said Govender.

“I still have my Springbok blazer,” Govender became the manager of Saints once the club joined the Kharwastan FA.

“We won all competitions in Kuwfa including the Clover Cup in 1986. We beat the fancied Young Aces,” said Govender.

Govender believes the quality of South African football has declined over the years and that the games are not as entertaining as they used to be.

“The soccer has lost its zeal and there is no passion for the beautiful game of football. We lack soccer development. There are no special players like Ernest Chirwali, Phil Masinga, the late Ewe Khambule and the entire 1996 African Cup of Nations-winning squad,” he said.

Govender has been a supporter of English club Tottenham Hotspur since 1981. Currently, his favourite players are Harry Kane and Son Heung-min.

Historically, his favourite players are

Glenn Hoddle, Chris Waddle, Garth Crooks, Steve Archibald, Osvaldo Ardiles and Ricardo Villa.

A team in the Federation Professional League that Govender admired was Avalon Athletic, which boasted players such as Dharam Mohan, Maniraj Singh, Scara Wanda, Kenneth Gama, Hector Fynn and Georgie Francis.

Govender previously served as the chairperson of the Durban garment workers industrial league, and was previously involved with former players in schools development clinics.

Due to health reasons, he has retired from involvement in football but continues to watch his grandson, Ethan, who plays for the Escombe U-11 team, in action. Govender lives in Silverglen with his wife, Yano.

They will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary in November. He has three children, Desiree, Ashley and Debby, as well as four grandchildren.