Despite nursing an injury, Camps Bay FC’s experienced shot-stopper, Tawfeeq Salie, says he is back to his best and enjoying his football again – albeit in the lower Hollywoodbets Third Division.
The former under-20 national goalkeeper was roped in by the Third Division newcomer this season to add more experience and stability to their defensive unit.
Salie, a former pro for Premier League teams like Maritzburg United, pointed out that he has settled in quicker than expected in this cutthroat league referred to as the ‘graveyard.’ – and relishing every minute of it.
“It’s just every week I come out with knocks, that’s how (rough) it is, every week,” Salie told No Bones with Jones. “Two weeks ago I had a collision that kept me out for three games. Last week as well another incident. I feel they are targeting me – and it is also difficult with youngsters around you, you know.
“I always knew it was going to be a challenge and the experience I have now in this league backs it up. In the first half I must make like eight saves to keep us in the game. Then comes the second half and I will get hammered with three, four, five (goals) past me.
“It’s tough but I would say I settled in nicely and enjoy playing in the league because it’s a lot of games. Yes, it is a skop, skiet en donner approach, but you also get the well-drilled side that plays quality football. I would say this league is ideal for players that are cutting their teeth and want to market themselves. This is where you get hard in my opinion.
“What I like is that there are so many games which means there is a lot of game time and this can bring the best out in you, you know. It also takes a toll on your body but if you are still young then this league is perfect. This is also exactly what I tell the youngsters, it is the perfect platform to make a name for yourself and get scouted.
“The issue with the youngsters or “Unders” is the inconsistency, but I guess that is how they learn and grow as well. The coach can put out his plans but if the players don’t execute the plans, it makes it difficult.,” the 32-year-old Ajax Cape Town-product added.
The Beach Boys, as they are affectionately known, succumbed to their 15th defeat of the season after they got hammered 4-0 by one for the title challengers in Saxon Rovers at the Royal Road on Tuesday evening.
But Salie confidently believes that the Hollywoodbets Third Division debutants, who occupy the 15th position above Ocean View, FC Hout Bay and Woodlands United, will retain their status for next season.
“We have realised very quickly that you have to be on top of things in every game and you cannot switch off as this league is so unpredictable,” Salie further stated. “There are also quite a few ex-pro’s playing and coaching in this and this just adds value. Any team can beat and surprise anyone on the day and you just don’t know what to expect and that excitement makes it enjoyable,” the well-travelled Salie concluded.
