Marlan Padayachee of Soccer's Glory Days

Edition 1, Wednesday 18th June
POST Sport
Deena's column in class of its own

June 18, 2008 Edition 1
FOR some time I have been wanting to write to Post to express my appreciation to Sports Editor Deena Pillay for his excellent coverage of the Glory Days and how each week he trawls around globally in search of soccer's prodigal sons.
Pillay's report on Derrick Desplace was the straw that broke the camel's back, hence this swift gratitude for a well researched article of one of the finest footballers in the world. I prefer to remember him as a "Gentleman Goalkeeper".
Growing up in a footbal family, I was exposed to Currie's Fountain early in my life, so much so that soccer gave me a passport into journalism.
In those days it was politically correct to be associated with the non-racial sports movement and Currie's was the place to be. Pillay is enriching our new society by recapturing these glory days, taking us on nostalgic trips down memory lane with his skilful pieces of profiles of yesterday's forgotten stars that enthralled fans at Winterton walk.
Daring Derrick Desplace impressed us with his athleticism and agility. He was a mentor and a classy player, who in his days could have stood toe to toe with some of the country's greatest goalkeepers.
Let Glory Days continue to glorify and honour those who walked gallantly before us and gave us milestones to fall back on as we reminisce and record those halcyon days of the difficult social, economic and political conditions that prevailed.
Marlan Padayachee
Westville