In a series leading up to the Paris Games, we here at Independent Newspapers continue to catch up with former South African Olympians to regale us with their unique experiences. Today, David Kannemeyer, who represented the country in football at Sydney 2000, talks to Zaahier Adams.
Where does the Games stand in your career?
We were the first South African football team to qualify for the Olympics, so it was quite an achievement.
Personally, it was the highlight of my football career. I went on to play for big clubs such as Mamelodi Sundowns, but there is nothing like representing your country on the international stage.
It was a real journey for us as a team. We had been together for many years, for some of us since our teenage years, and Shakes Mashaba really brought us together as a family, so eventually going to the Olympics together was the pinnacle.
What was it like playing football in Australia?
It was actually awesome. Australia is very similar to South Africa, and there were plenty of South African expats living Down Under, so we had plenty of support at all our games.
The class of 2000 boasted some of the finest talent South African football has ever produced …
Yes, most definitely. This team had so much talent all over the field. It was huge. And it was always a pleasure to play together because like I said, we were like a family, having been together in so many camps in the build-up to the Olympics.
But you have to be almost inspired to do your best when you have the likes of Quinton (Fortune), Benni (McCarthy), Delron Buckley, Steve Lekolea and Jabu Pule around you.
You mentioned a couple of naughty boys too there … like Pule … how much mischief did you guys get up to in the Olympic Village?
Hahaha … No, the guys were really well behaved. We were representing our country and just wanted to do our best. Also, there was so much security at the Village!
Unfortunately, Team SA failed to advance to the next round, but you guys famously beat Brazil 3-1 in your second group game at The Gabba in Brisbane.
Yes, it was a real shame we did not advance, but that was due to our own mistakes.
The Brazil game … all I can say is wow! They had superstars in their line-up like Ronaldinho and to test your skills against players of that calibre will always remain a highlight.
I still have all my Olympic jerseys framed in my house and will keep it as heirlooms for my son. It was and always will be special memories.