Neil Tovey reflects on ‘happy’ dawn of democracy in SA on Freedom Day

Bafana Bafana legend Neil Tovey has reflected on well over two decades of democracy as South Africa celebrates Freedom Day.

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The 58-year-old former South Africa Technical Director, who previously captained Kaizer Chiefs, before going on to coach the likes of Mamelodi Sundowns, AmaZulu and Hellenic, says “football always harmonised people and harmonised society.”

In a post on the Kaizer Chiefs official website, Neil Tovey expressed his delight in having played a prominent role in South Africa’s emergence into world football after the end of apartheid.

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Tovey said: “It was a very exciting time, just prior to the Springboks winning the Rugby World Cup and us winning the African Cup of Nations. We were back in international sport and South African football clubs were starting to play in African continental football competition. We had so much to look forward to as a unified, democratic country.

“Football always harmonised people and harmonised society. It gave the masses something to look forward to and to celebrate, even when times were really difficult. It has always been a tremendous catalyst to the country’s joy and happiness.”

Tovey added: “I had a beautiful decade of being part of such a big club and playing with unbelievable players.

“To have that opportunity and blessing was so pleasurable for me. I could not throw the opportunity away and made the very best of my time with the Amakhosi.

“The support from the fans was always unbelievable. If you showed intensity for the club and were inspired to strive for success week in and week out, the fans could see that and they love and enjoy you and you love and enjoy them in return.”