Brace yourselves for a homecoming of note, that of Gerald Stober to his beloved and very first pro club in Santos.
Yes, I know, I was (pleasantly) shocked as well when the news broke that the 57-year-old former Bafana Bafana striker has returned to the club that kick-started his fantastic career.
This was indeed one of those strategic appointments one never anticipated – and hats off to the Santos Chairman and owner, Goolam Allie, for what one hope could also be the missing antidote need to bring back the glory days to the club
Allie explained to No Bones with Jones: “What is the easiest way to go…. You have people that are familiar with the culture of the club, have that behaviour pattern, want to play (good) football, so…
“You know, you need people that are going to take football to another level from mentality and behaviour on the field. So, the guy achieved a lot in his personal capacity with the club and there would always be loyalty, you know what I’m saying…,” Allie added.
The Santos boss also reminded that he’s been a part of Stober’s upbringing from a very early age. “I coached him as a junior also at one stage when he was with Wolves,” Allie recalled.
“Yes, so, he’s not like Johnny come lately in my life, you understand – and that is the difference. His (late) father was a supporter and great football person and was heavily involved with football.
“So, there’s a long history, but I don’t want to go into all that. What matters now is that Gerald is back with the club and he has been actively setting up and has engaged with the player already, but he will link up again next week due to the funeral of his father,” Allie concluded.
Stober, a former Orlando Pirates goal poacher, was previously on the books of Seaside Spurs before stepping down from the coastal side – and this all makes sense in hindsight as Stober’s return to the People’s Team will not only reawaken the nostalgia and belief amongst the die-hard fans, but also galvanize them to assist in bringing back the glory days.
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