Oh Boy, oh Boy, oh Boy…
What a memorable evening it was, and all thanks to the organisers of the former Turfhall Football Union who put together an ‘Old Soccer Buddies Reunion’ in honour of the Glenville legend, Abdu-Rashied Majiet affectionately known as ‘Boy’ Majiet.
This event, held at the Barons Estate in Schaapkraal on Saturday evening, was attended by esteemed guests, such as the former Springbok coach Peter de Villiers and former Safa Cape Town and Cricket South Africa president, Adv. Norman Arendse, to name a few.
Not to mention the Western Cape Federation Legends, with its president Stevie Williams, along with the usual suspects like Clive Darries, Keith America, James George and others. Despite the who’s who in the zoo, the night belonged to one man and one man only – Rashiet ‘Boy’ Majiet.
It was a grand event dubbed as a “night of thrills, goals and glory” where Majiet was recognized amongst his peers with a Golden Boot for his fantastic and unselfish role he played for his club and LFA – much to the surprise of the 81-year-old. This initiative was orchestrated by Anwar and Manie Davids, Zaid Isaacs as well as club secretary Clive Cornelious with Naeema Holland being roped in at the 11th hour to put on the finishing touches to a spectacular evening of fun, dancing and laughter.
Majiet explained to No Bones with Jones. “It was something I didn’t really expect, but it made me feel better. But at the same time being with the people I haven’t seen for 40, 50 years… That meant a lot to me. To be able to interact with so many of the guys I came to know through soccer. They became part of my family as my soccer family, and to see them present really meant a lot to me. I appreciate that,” Majiet added.
Majiet was hard as nails – a tough-tackling, no-nonsense centre back who had no mercy for his opponents on the field. Those who played against ‘Monster’ as Majiet refers to himself, can certainly testify that he took his rivals to the cleaners – sometimes without the ball – and in a very unapologetic manner.
“For those 80 minutes, I was a monster,” Majiet stated. “But after that, I can still greet and hug them and that is why they are still my soccer family.”
Those who frequent the Rygate LFA in Johnston Road regularly know all too well that ‘Boeta Boy’s’ love for the beautiful game runs deep – and this HLPV member at Oriental Gunners is still actively involved at his club decades after hanging up his boots.
When probed on who Majiet considered as his biggest headache he faced on the playing field he replied. “You know, at our rivals Cape Town Spurs there were three players that I respected so much for their talent and what they gave in a challenge and to the game. One is Rashied Khan from Johannesburg – one of the best and a brilliant thinker.
“Then there was Basil Medell… despite what you are off the field, I could learn so much from him over the years. And Danny Abrahams was another player I respected. They were great guys, talented guys and I looked up to them. There were obviously many others but those three guys…
“Bernard (Hartze) used to score the goals for Spurs but it was those guys who did all the dirty work for him to score. Georgie Van Niekerk was another good guy and despite what they are today I still treasure them,” Majiet concluded.
One Response
well deserved accolade to the true gentleman and legendary football Icon Boy Majiet. long may his legacy continue. Just disappointed mentioning my name with the WC LEGS.