Department of Sport and Recreation honours football heroes of yesteryear

The concept of the Night of the Legends was a brainchild of the MEC for Sport and Recreation, Amichand Rajbansi. It aims to recognise and honour the contributions of individuals to the growth of football in the province.

The recipients comprised football players, administrators and other role players such as the media for their contribution to development and growth of football in KwaZulu-Natal from the 1950s onwards.

The event was held at the Inkosi Albert Luthuli Convention Centre (ICC).

MEC Amichand Rajbansi said national and provincial governments have taken a decision that the past sport stars be accommodated and not be forgotten.

Rajbansi, himself a referee in the days of the South African Football League, recognised the immense contribution to football by these icons of the SA game. He has seen the significance of ensuring that KwaZulu-Natal has a united front in dealing with the challenges of 2010

“It is sad that as the years roll on, our memories of these grand entertainers of South African sport also diminish, and before they become extinct let us reminiscence [about] the glory days gone by,” explains Rajbansi.

“We should have a process where we would eventually establish a Sports Hall of Fame,” he said

“As part of our 2010 initiative, it is imperative that we recognise the achievements of footballers, technical officials, coaches and administrators involved in football over the period of 1940-1996”, said Rajbansi.

Awards were given to the legends that have played for a minimum of three seasons in top-flight football in the following year categories:

• 1950-1969; 1970-1989; 1990-1996

Special Awards were presented to footballers and administrators from the period beyond 1996 to present.

Legends who have plied trade in the years before unity in the following association were also honoured:

• National Professional Soccer Leagues (NPSL)
  
• National Football League (NFL)
  
• South African Soccer Federation (SASF)

A committee comprising legends from each of these associations submitted nominations and these have been scrutinised by and independent committee, which then finalized the recipients in each category. The Department honoured more than 60 football legends in total.

The keynote speaker at the Night of the Legends dinner was the chairman of the Provincial 2010 Oversight Committee, Dr. Zweli Mkhize.