After a freak accident on the pitch more than seven years ago, a former Cape Flats soccer star is still struggling to recover.
Faried de Goede, 59, who suffered a brain haemorrhage and stroke back in 2011 says every day is an uphill battle.
The father of five, who played centreback for Hellenic and Cape Town Spurs for many years is originally from Kensington and started playing when he was 12 years old.
GLORY DAYS: Played for Hellenic, C.T. Spurs and also earned a national team selection. Photo: Supplied
“My first club was Luton Rovers where I started as a striker. My family was not really into soccer, but my cousins encouraged me,” he says.
In 1981, Faried went to play for Cape Town Spurs and says during apartheid it was difficult for coloured players as there were no sponsorships.
Six years later he was selected to play for the national soccer team, but only sat on the bench.
From 1987 to 1992, he played as a centreback for Hellenic Football Club and retired his professional soccer career, but continued to work as a data capturer to support his family.
Faried moved to Northpine where he played for First National Rangers and during a match in 2011, he was struck by a ball.
“They got a free kick and this guy kicked the ball on the right side of my head. The next night I had a brain haemorrhage,” he recalls.
“I have hit balls with my head before, but in this case it hit me in the head by mistake and I did not see it coming.
“I was hospitalised for three months at Karl Bremer and had to do my recovery at Lentegeur. I also had a stroke and the left side of my body went lame.”
Faried says he fought hard to regain movement in his left leg and arm.
“I was a fitness fanatic and trained every day and this was bad for me,” he says.
“I still am very passionate about the game and coach the U15 team at Northpine Football Club. I was in a wheelchair and worked my way out.
“I go to the field every Saturday to help the youngsters and keep my mind sharp. They let me sit when coaching.”
He later resigned from his job and says as he only receives a disability grant he is unable to afford physiotherapy.
“I get physio from a private guy, but it costs about R200 every time he comes. He gives me acupuncture and does massages. When he does it, I feel a lot better and can move again.
“I try to go walking, but it is hard and I struggle around the house. Because I only get a Sassa grant, I had to take on boarders to help me make ends meet.”
If you would like to assist Faried, call 021 981 3468.