Players were walking on eggshells…
There’s a legend based in Bloemfontein named Benjamin Reed. I got to know him during his Bloemfontein Celtic days and he always reminded me of Joe Mlaba because he could also play with both left and right foot. Benji was clinical on the field but very cool and quiet off the field. It is rare to find skilful strikers who will come out of sticky situations, they are mostly either aggressive or pacey, but Benji was so smart as a forward because he had almost everything. You play him as either a winger or a false nine, he will get the job done for you. He fitted into the Celtic style of play so perfectly that I always kept my eye on their games. The same could be said about the crop of players Free State Stars had in their team. Those two teams made a huge impact on South African football and I enjoyed watching them. Benji was with us in the team that wasn’t selected for the first senior team and what a humble guy he proved to be, as we spent time together. Our bond grew stronger from the national team and I don’t think we celebrate Benji enough as a country. The man deserves a lot of credit and praise for what he’s done for this game. When Benji joined Kaizer Chiefs, I believe I was the only player he could relate to, based on our previous interactions and friendship. Long after our retirement, we still keep in contact and he will call me when
Free State legends want to play against us and we’d all make it happen. He still cares enough to organise games where legends can generate some money. Whenever we play Chiefs legends’ games, I always call him and David Modise to come join us because they’re part of the family. They always turn up and it is always great to have them in the team. Benji is one guy who will be sending you motivational quotes out of the blue, whenever he thought about you, and I always appreciate that about him. Sometimes people don’t understand their impact in your life, but I want Benji to know that nothing he’s ever done for me has gone unnoticed. I consider him a brother, not just a friend or former colleague.