At the age of 40 Seaside Spurs veteran winger Franklin Cale (pictured) is not just one of the oldest players in the Hollywoodbets Third Division campaign, but also one of the fittest.
Credit should go to Cale for looking after himself, financially and physically, to still be contributing to the game, unlike many other ex-pros who are struggling to cope with the rigours of life.
No Bones with Jones caught up with ‘Bolo’ as Cale is affectionately known, to establish what the secret for his longevity on the football field is.
”Well, it is not really a secret, but rather my difficult life and growing up that’s still very fresh in my mind,” Cale reveals. ”You then know how it is to have nothing to eat in the mornings and evenings and to go to bed without a proper meal, but just with suiker en brood (sugar and bread).
‘This is and has always been my motivation to get up in the morning and to work harder than the day before. To give 120 percent on and off the field. You only have one life and I believe you must make the best of it while you are still healthy and able to do so.
“That is a blessing in itself and football just makes it more enjoyable. You must remember life owes you nothing and whatever you want to achieve in life, you will have to work and make sacrifices – it is as simple as that, ” the former product of Ajax Cape Town stated.
Cale had a glittering professional career and has won all the major trophies in the Premier Soccer League with clubs like Mamelodi Sundowns (League title), SuperSport United (Nedbank Cup and MTN8) and the now defunct Ajax CT (Telkom Cup, Absa Cup and MTN 8 as well as two League runners-up medals). He said it is important to know your role in life once you are no longer needed by clubs in a playing capacity.
Cale, who is also one of the founders of Seaside, pointed out that the club was formed to ensure talented players from his (Ocean View) community have a platform to showcase their talent. Seaside has in its short existence made its presence felt in the local football circles.
In their debut season last year, they won promotion from the LFA level to the Third Division and enjoyed a good run in the Coke Cup where they were knocked out by Clover FC in the semi-final.
”I have said it before and I will say it again, it’s not about me anymore,” he emphasized. ”I have achieved everything in my career and now is the time to plough back. I am focused on the future of the club and to help the younger generation of my community achieve their dreams. I want to add my experience to the club and make a positive contribution in my community….funny story as you know.
“I retired three years ago and I did my Caf D Licence, already to become a coach …then Coach Stober came and asked me to play cause he could see I still have it in me to help the club …and I told him yes, I’ll play as he felt I could still add value and honestly, I do and can assist with my experience.
The former Bafana Bafana attacker was in his heyday renowned for his blistering speed and pace, with a cultured and dangerous left foot that packs a punch. Needless to say, he could go toe-to-toe with the best defenders in the country and put fear into opposition goalkeepers with his pile drivers.
According to Cale, chasing goals and mesmerising defenders does not bring the same fulfilment as it did when he was in his prime. However, Cale did not rule out a complete return to the PSL should he be approached by any club.
The left wing highlighted that he is embracing his new dual role in his hometown mentoring and guiding the new generation of footballers.
”I am still learning a lot and growing as an individual in a more coaching capacity, especially from my coach, Gerald Stober. ”We have so much talent in our community but the sad reality is that not everyone is going to make it,” Cale further explains. ”Therefore, we try and ensure that we recruit as much talent to create an avenue for opportunities for players to go onto bigger things in life,” Cale concluded.
