Guestspeaker- Mark Fish

Speaker

Pretoria South Africa

English

Celebrity,Inspiration,motivation,Professional sportsman,Soccer,South Africa,Sporting celebrity

Mark Fish started his professional career with Jomo Cosmos in 1991 and went on to represent Orlando Pirates, Lazio (Italy), Bolton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic and Ipswich Town (all England) in a career that spanned two decades.

He won 62 caps for his country, with the pinnacle of his international career coming in 1996 when the side lifted the African Cup of Nations. Much-loved by fans who chanted “Feeeeesh” every time he touched the ball on the field, Mark was also an ambassador for South Africa’s successful bid to host the 2010 FIFA World Cup.

Fish started his career in his native South Africa under the guidance of renowned coach Steve Coetsee, playing for Arcadia Shepherds, an amateur team based at the Caledonian Stadium in Pretoria. He was spotted by then Jomo Cosmos coach Roy Matthews and turned professional as a striker. It was at Cosmos that he was converted into a central defender and went on to become one of the most promising defenders in South Africa at the time.

In 1994 Fish was signed by Orlando Pirates after Cosmos were relegated. At Pirates he arguably played the best football of his career under the tutelage of Mike Makaab. He also won the league championship at Pirates, as well as the BP Top Eight Cup in 1994, the 1995 African Champions League and the 1995 Bobsave Super Bowl (then the premier cup in South Africa). In 1996 he was part of the history making South African national team to have won the African Cup of Nations at the first attempt after South Africa's readmission to FIFA in 1992.

Mark Fish has moved around quite a bit during his soccer career. Even though the scenery may change regularly for Fish, there is one thing that is always consistent: his level of play.

Regarded as an excellent central defender who can play both sides of the ball, Fish plays with undeniable style and class. Some criticize that he sometimes appears laid back or that he is not at the level he should be defensively. However, Fish’s talent is unquestionable and he has been praised by teammates and opponents alike.

Fish was born on March 14, 1974 in Cape Town, South Africa. He started his career with the Arcadia Shepherds, an amateur team located in South Africa. He quickly garnered attention and moved on to play professionally for the Jomo Cosmos in 1991. When he arrived at the Cosmos he played striker, but he was converted to central defender. This was an excellent move because Fish developed into a very talented defender.

Fish made 53 appearances with the Cosmos from 1991 to 1993. In 1993 he signed with the Orlando Pirates, also in Africa. He made 110 appearances with the Pirates, playing what some contend was the best soccer of his career. He scored a total of eleven goals and won numerous championships and cups, including the league championship, the 1995 Bobsave Super Bowl, and the 1995 African Champions League.

Mark Fish started his professional career with Jomo Cosmos in 1991 and went on to represent Orlando Pirates, Lazio (Italy), Bolton Wanderers, Charlton Athletic and Ipswich Town (all England) in a career that spanned two decades.

He won 62 caps for his country, with the pinnacle of his international career coming in 1996 when the side lifted the African Cup of Nations. Much-loved by fans who chanted “Feeeeesh” every time he touched the ball on the field, Mark was also a

Latest Tags