Derrick Naidoo
realistic, not a career that is farfetched.”
As a pupil, Naidoo excelled, especially in maths, an affinity inherited by his son, Veshalin, who was a high school maths and science champ, scoring 10 As in his matric year.
Naidoo’s discipline and sense of responsibility were evident in the classroom and at home where he controlled the family budget, and this financial flair helped him secure a university education.
Money he earned from working at his granny’s market stall as a tally clerk funded his studies at the University of Durban Westville. He initially studied for a BSc, then switched to electrical engineering.
In 1980, he secured a R500 bursary from Mobil and a student loan of R300, and used the money to buy a truck, which marked the start of the family business.
But the vehicle needed a new gearbox, so he borrowed R1 200 his aunt had saved for her wedding. The gamble paid off as their trucking business, Deron Trucking, took off.
Naidoo and his brother ran the business until 1997, when they parted ways. In between, he lectured engineering at the ML Sultan Technikon, where he met his wife Roshni, a student.
Naidoo was playing for Tulip Rangers in The Grand Challenge League when Berea manager Don Mudaly spotted him in action at the Asherville grounds.
He joined Berea in 1980 but was their reserve keeper that season. The next year he joined Manning Rangers on loan.
He remained with Rangers until the end of the 1985 season. Rangers beat Bluebells 3-2 in the final of the Osman Cup and for his efforts he was named FPL player of the year. He also had many memorable matches with AmaZulu, with the Mainstay Cup final against Kaizer Chiefs at Ellis Park a fond memory. AmaZulu lost 1-0. Name: Derrick Naidoo. Born: 1960. Place of birth: Mother: Rosie. Father: Jerry. Primary school: Springfield Model. High school: Burnwood. Tertiary education: Degrees in engineering, law, road transport and now completing MBA. Married: 1990. Wife: Roshini. Children: Preeyen, 25, in business, Devania, 24, a teacher and Veshalin, 19, a student.
Tulip Rangers, Berea, Manning Rangers, Aces, High Barnett and AmaZulu. Asherville.
Football clubs he played for: