Just a few months ago, Tawfeeq Salie was standing at a crossroads, seriously contemplating whether it was time to walk away from playing the game he loves.
Now, the former Ajax Cape Town academy product finds himself on the verge of writing a new chapter in both his career and Durbanville FC’s history. Two more victories in the ongoing SAFA Cape Town Third Division promotional play-offs would see the Cape Town Tygerberg LFA outfit secure promotion to the region’s Third Division League, marking the biggest achievement in the club’s 52-year history.
Under the guidance of coach Graham Purdy, Durbanville has emerged as genuine contenders for promotion, with veteran goalkeeper Salie playing a key role in their remarkable campaign.
For Salie, the irony is hard to ignore.
“Look, there obviously comes a time when one has to make hard decisions and that’s the dilemma I faced,” Salie told No Bones with Jones. “I strongly considered hanging up my boots and going into goalkeeper coaching. But as fate would have it, a certain individual, Keenan Smith, convinced me that I still had a lot to offer.
“So, instead of coaching at Durbanville, which was my initial intention, I ended up between the goalposts and playing again. What also influenced my decision was the endorsement of my kids, who said, ‘Daddy, don’t stop playing’… and the rest is history.”
However, Salie’s comeback journey was not without its setbacks.
After joining Durbanville with ambitions of helping the club challenge for promotion, disaster struck when he fractured his wrist, sidelining him for three months.
“I got injured back in March and only came back around June, but I can safely say it’s been fairly good these past couple of months at Durbanville,” he said.
Despite the lengthy lay-off, Salie returned in time to play a key role in the club’s charge towards promotion.
“That was always the plan and that’s one of the reasons I stayed,” he explained. “When I joined them, I saw the potential immediately. I thought they had a brilliant LFA squad. They are a group of guys who are hungry, determined and willing to give everything. I felt it was the right place for me because I could enjoy myself and my football again among a bunch of hard workers.
Salie further explained: “They graft from beginning to end and that’s also how I found my enjoyment for the game again. I think for any player who wants to get their career back on track, it’s important to first rediscover that enjoyment and satisfaction. Once you have that, everything else takes care of itself.”
The former Maritzburg United shot-stopper and South African Under-20 international is no stranger to promotion races, having previously come agonisingly close with Cape Town All Stars and Young Bafana.
Yet success has always remained just out of reach.
“This will be my third time going for promotion with a club,” Salie said. “Hopefully it’s third time lucky,” the well-travelled Salie concluded.
And if Durbanville can secure that final victory, the veteran goalkeeper’s decision not to retire could prove to be the defining save of his career.
PHOTO SUPPLIED BY CONRAY SWAIL
