Dean Furman inspires YC ‘dads and lads’

CAROL ROD

“The most important thing that a good sportsman needs to do, is to study further.” This practical message came from Bafana Bafana footballer and SuperSport United captain, Dean Furman at the Yeshiva College Father and Son Breakfast held last week as part of the Elul “switch on” programme.

Rabbi Leron Bernstein, MD of Yeshiva College, introduced Furman who was born in Cape Town and left for the UK with his parents at an early age.

Photo credit: JASON CROUSE

LEFT: Winner of the Signed SuperSport United Jersey – Oren Kalmek with Dean Furman.

He was selected to join Chelsea Football Club’s youth division and earned a scholarship at the beginning of 2004. His inspiration was three-time Chelsea Player of the Year, Frank Lampard.

Furman explained to the Yeshiva College learners that what motivated him while playing for Chelsea was watching Lampard continue training long after the official practice had ended.

Dean recently completed a four-year sports degree and is committed to study further, emphasising to the children the importance of having an education after retiring from professional sport.

Bernstein called on Stan Mathews, CEO of SuperSport United and an observant Jew, who regaled the audience by sharing the behind-the-scenes stories regarding the signing of Furman.

Matthews had sound advice for the Yeshiva College parents, explaining that players like Furman may not have started each match and may have been benched, but his parents never complained to the coach. Instead, Matthews explained that these disappointments are part of life lessons and overcoming these challenges is what makes champions such as Furman.