THE BARON OF INJURIES
Goalie in ninth op of his career
“BREAK a leg” might be a way of wishing someone luck in the theatre world, but in soccer it’s every player’s nightmare.
But serious injury is something Bidvest Wits goalkeeper Emile Baron is accustomed to – he has had nine operations in less than 14 years.
Many of these were virtually career-ending – from his Achilles tendon, to shoulder and cheek bone. But like the proverbial cat with nine lives, the agile keeper has always bounced back.
His latest setback is his leg, which was broken in two places against Orlando Pirates last week. And, like many times before, pundits are again writing the obituary of his career.
Baron is a decorated player, having also plied his trade in Norway, where his career was blighted by a string of injuries.
“A season never goes by without me getting an injury. I have been written off after every major injury I suffered but I would bounce back much against expectations,” he said.
Players of lesser calibre would have long given up hope. But with Baron the struggle continued.
“I have heard that song before – that I was not going to play again after every bad shoulder injury when I was playing for Kaizer Chiefs. I would bounce back when least expected to.
“I have had nine operations and fortunately I have never been totally crocked.
“I remember way back when I suffered a serious shoulder injury, doctors almost discouraged me when they said my chances of playing football were remote.”
One of the best shot-stoppers in the country, Baron said he had never thought of quitting.
“My never-say-die spirit and support from my family kept me from giving up,” he said.
He was devastated when he was dropped from the national squad during the Africa Cup of Nations in Tunisia in 2004.
Another shoulder injury robbed him of an opportunity to play for Bafana Bafana shortly before the 2010 World Cup.
The injury curse was the main reason he returned from Norway. He joined Chiefs in 2005, but his persistent injuries gave reserve keeper Itumeleng Khune the opportunity to rise.
After being relegated to the bench by Khune’s stupendous displays, Baron joined SuperSport United in 2009.
Once again another operation forced him to sit out the bulk of the season.
“I am now praying that this operation will be my last.”