CORRESPONDENT
Rieduwaan “Waanie” Anthony’s journey through football is one of passion, perseverance, and profound commitment to the beautiful game and his community – and his recognition from Safa Cape Town on Saturday evening at the Mayoral Banquet Hall for the President’s award, is testimony thereof
Anthony’s football story began at Blackheath FC in the Cape FA, Turfhall, where he played alongside greats such as Andre Alexander, Wayne De Klerk, and Allan Beukes Inspired by the brilliance of players like George van der Berg, Duncan Crowie (the great 800m runner with a very unique stride), and Charlie Isaacs (who was also a Champion Athlete from Spes Bona High).
Rieduwaan developed not only as a player but also as a keen observer and admirer of sporting excellence.
He was shaped by the example of outstanding administrators such as Mr. Ralph Japhta, Mr. Cecil Holmes, Mr. Red Damon, Mr. Norman Baatjes, whose tireless commitment to fair play, integrity, and inclusivity during the most challenging times in South African sport laid a foundation for generations to come.
Mr Vincent Baatjies was an excellent administrator who was small in stature but big in principles. We salute them as they stood firm against the injustices of apartheid sport, ensuring that community football thrived despite immense social and political pressure. Their courage inspired Rieduwaan to lead with the same principles of fairness and unity.
With that same vision, Rieduwaan co-founded Premier United with his brothers Jim, Shamiel, and the late Nazeem together with Anwar and Igshaan and their beloved mother. The club became a beacon of community football, nurturing exceptional players such as Ian Syce, Tony Delight, Kevin Sefoor, Russell and Randall Engle, Clive, Michael, and Vincent Hoffman, Nigel Oliver, and many others.
Under their guidance, Premier United rose through the ranks, dominating the Super League and Coke Cup, earning promotion to the MTN (NFD), a remarkable achievement that remains a highlight in local football history.
The legacy continued with the birth of Hanover Park FC in 2005, a club that would go on to claim numerous titles, including the Rum Cup and three Coke Cup titles. In 2005, Hanover Park Football Club then went on to join the Cape Town Tygerberg LFA (CTTLFA), which was an excellent opportunity to promote the game in this area.
In this time the club has gone on to win Club of the year not once but twice, winning the ABC Vodacom League not once but twice, promoted to NFD in Bloemfontein a standout highlight with standout players like Clinton Emmaneul, Virgil Piedt, Marlon Goodman, Taswald Kirsten, Alphonso Topley, Michael Mamba, Colin Moos, Arizona Solomons, Chrisando De Weber, Abdul Karriem, David Tango, Nunes Louw, Jade Allen, Nazier Benjamin, Ismaiel “Stam,” Gary Jazzman and Marlon Johnson.
Not forgetting playing Orlando Pirates at the old Green Point track now the Cape Town Stadium What a night of football when all supporters, even the gangs stop shooting one another.
Recently, Hanover Park won the ABC Motsepe beating Zizwe United on penalties at Stellenbosch, only to rule a replay and as they say, “the rest is history.” Winning the CTTLA Knockout Cup and the Safa CT Coke Cup in our 45th year with outstanding players like Kyle Peters, Ghaalieb Avontuur, Lionel Saal, Abu, Saffie, Morne Abrahams, Maurice Theart, Tougeer Classen, Yaseen Hartley and up and coming star Tyrese “Tan” Diedericks, Aqeel Jappie and so many others to mention. The class of 2025, shining brightly.
Rieduwaan’s leadership and administrative insight were central to these successes. Serving as Match and Registration Secretary at the Hanover Park Football Union during the 1980s and 1990s, and later as Chairman of the Athlone District, Rieduwaan proved himself to be a meticulous, principled, and visionary administrator along a dream team by the likes of Mr Allan Appolis, Mr Garin Cavangh, Ms Verna Appolis ,Derrick Wyatt, Donovan Blackenburg, Alex May and so many others.
Rieduwaan’s leadership extended beyond club level serving on the Disciplinary Committee, Constitutional Committee, and Youth Structure within the CTTLFA, alongside respected figures like Mr Gordon Crumpton, Serving as VP under Mr. Andrew Bothman, and later as Senior VP under President Donovan Nielsen.
His served under Mr. Norman Arendse on the Regional Council of Safa CT with excellent administrators like Mr Eric Gum, Mr Isgak and the late Mr. Morne Barnes, further reflects his dedication to ethical governance and football development.
Rieduwaan’s influence also reached civic life, serving more than a decade on the Ward 47 Committee, where he continued to champion youth engagement, sports development, and community cohesion.
From the grassroots fields of Turfhall to regional leadership and beyond, Rieduwaan Anthony’s legacy is one of unwavering commitment, integrity, and love for the game. His tireless efforts have inspired countless players, administrators, and communities, leaving an indelible mark on The Capes’ rich football history.
Congratulations, Rieduwaan Anthony. Your contribution is not only celebrated today but will be remembered for generations to come.
