TRAIL RUNNING
Team Soccer heads off into the pan
Siya and Teko giving their sore feet some TLC
Eyes on the Goal
Looking ready to tackle any challenge , the Team Soccer trio of Bafana Bafana legends Teko Modise , Siyabonga Nomvethe and Matthew Booth were next up for the Verneukpan treatment . Speaking before the challenge , team manager Neil Tovey said he was confident that his team would do well . “ As soccer players , we have led a blessed life , and now is our chance to support those people affected by the pandemic . Our team has been training hard and they are definitely mentally ready for this challenge , but it ’ s about much more than just the bragging rights , it ’ s about helping the thousands of South Africans that need support , and we will never lose sight of that important goal . If we can inspire our hundreds of thousands of soccer fans to support us and make a small donation , we will have done our job .”
Known as “ The General ” for his ability to direct play , Teko is regarded as one of the greatest PSL players of the modern era . He made 66 appearances for Bafana between 2007 and 2012 , representing SA at the 2008 African Cup of Nations , 2009 Confederations Cup , and 2010 World Cup . He was the fastest player to reach 50 caps for SA , and at club level he won six trophies with Mamelodi Sundowns , including two PSL titles and the CAF Champions League . “ I have a naturally competitive nature and pitting our skills against other codes is something we have never done . As Team Soccer , we will need to push ourselves further as footballers ,” he said before the challenge .
Matthew enjoyed a successful club career in both South Africa and Russia , earning 37 caps for the national team between 1999 and 2010 , having captained the SA Under-23 team at the 2000 Olympics . He missed Bafana ’ s trip to the 2002 World Cup due to injury , and was an unused squad member at the 2010 World Cup on home soil . He is still remembered as a fan favourite among South African fans , who chanted “ Booooooth ” when he touched the ball , and the familiar chant was heard once again when Team Soccer visited the local soccer team in Kenhardt before starting the challenge . He said , “ My challenge will be keeping up with Siya , who is still playing professional football , and Teko , who is still very lean and quick . When compared to the rugby guys , however , we are all sleek and light on our feet , and I think that will be a big advantage .”
Emotional Finish
In the end , it was indeed mental strength and camaraderie that got Team Soccer to the finishline , although the challenge took a huge physical and mental toll on the players , says Erik . “ The last 100km are really the toughest , as the landscape is featureless , and mentally this is very draining . You have nothing to measure your progress or success by , and I am so proud of how Team Soccer performed , arriving at the finish still in high spirits , in spite of everyone ’ s body taking strain .”
Teko openly admits that he has never experienced such stiffness and pain in his legs , particularly feeling it in his knees , and says this was definitely the most difficult thing he has ever done . “ I have never pushed my body this far . When Siya and myself were both struggling , we really needed to rely on Matthew and Erik to pull us through .”
Echoing his words , Siaybonga says that teamwork and pushing hard for a good cause is what this challenge was all about . “ We knew it would be tough , but we never stopped trying to do our best , and we are so proud of what we achieved . We are so grateful to our sponsors and to the organisers for giving us this opportunity to compete and do something for the good for so many vulnerable South Africans that need support .”
Matthew adds that the Battle of the Sports is the type of challenge you can never complete on your own . “ You need the support of your team and the drive to never let your team mates down . It definitely is that competitive drive that saw Team Soccer through , even during the toughest times .”
Team Soccer celebrate their finish
Last but not least , Siyabonga holds the record for most PSL goals ( 138 ) and represented SA in 81 games , including playing in both the 2002 and 2010 World Cup campaigns . In his club career , he played for various top teams in SA as well as in Italy , Sweden and Denmark . Ahead of the challenge , he said that the mental strength of the players would be a big advantage . “ We know it is going to be tough , but we are all used to playing in inhospitable stadiums and environments , particularly in Africa , so the terrain should not be too much of a challenge .”
A hattrick of Bafana stars on the Verneukpan
Images : Courtesy BrightRock Battle of the Sports
28 ISSUE 135 NOVEMBER 2020 / www . modernathlete . co . za