Achievers
Soccer star Furman toasts his ‘team’
Soccer star Dean Furman might indeed be a naches (pride) machine for the whole nation, but on Sunday night, no one could have been prouder of his SAA Voyager Art, Sports, Science and Culture Award, than his parents.
MIRAH LANGER
Ronnie and Carol Furman, who are based in England, sent a video message of congratulation to their son, who is currently the Bafana Bafana and SuperSport United midfielder. “We are so proud. You are living the dream of every boy in this country,” said Ronnie.
Mom Carol thanked Dean for always including them in his career. “We have loved schlepping all over the world,” she declared radiantly.
Stan Matthews, the director of football at SuperSport United, asserted that along with being a fantastic captain and role model for the youth, “As a Jew, Dean is a mensch – he is humble and deserves nothing but blessings.”
On the podium, Furman said that his parents were so much a part of the celebration that, via FaceTime, they were even watching him make his way up to the stage to receive his trophy.
Furman also paid tribute to other key people in his life, especially his wife, who he called his “greatest teammate”.
He toasted the opportunities that he had enjoyed since returning to South Africa from England to play for Bafana Bafana.
“I have had such a fantastic experience since I’ve been here, being able to reconnect with family, immerse myself in a thriving Jewish community, and explore our beautiful country.”
Furman said the opportunity to do charity work had also brought deep meaning to his life.