21 Questions with Stanton Fredericks

We caught up with footballing talent Stanton Fredericks the day before he was due back in Russia, where he plays for FC Moscow. He chatted to us about his new club, new country and himself.
Amazingly, Stanton began to pursue his soccer career at university. It was only while studying at Wits Technikon that he started playing soccer professionally (Wits University was the first club he played for). And in the few short years he’s been on the soccer scene, he’s had a very busy career. This includes a very successful three-year spell with local football giants Kaizer Chiefs and being on the winning side against an Amaglug glug team who managed to beat the mighty Brazil.
Stanton takes his soccer seriously. He trains hard and works hard, maintaining a positive outlook on his game and life in general. Read on to find out more about this down-to-earth, gifted football player.

First things first, biographical details:

Full names: Stanton Duncan Fredericks (I had to coax his second name from him by revealing mine!)
Nickname: Stigga
Date of Birth: 13 June 1977

1. Where were you born and raised?
I’m from Newclare, Johannesburg. It was like a ghetto (something like Newlands East in Durban, I think). As ghetto as it gets!

2. Which schools did you attend?
I attended Coronationville Secondary.

3. And were you a teacher’s pet or class bully?
I was very disciplined, a good student, so I’d have to say teacher’s pet.

4. Did you always want to be a professional football player or did you have other ambitions while growing up?
No, in fact I wanted to become an accountant. Football was never part of my career plans. It was only at university that I began to focus seriously on soccer.

5. What clubs have you played for?
My first club was Wits University. I then played for Grasshoppers in Zurich. I came back to SA and played for Kaizer Chiefs. Now I’m with FC Moscow.

6. You were part of SA’s 2000 soccer team that beat Brazil(!) in the Olympics. What was that like?
It was unbelievable; definitely one of the highlights of my career.

7. What was the move like, leaving SA to play in Russia?
It was difficult at first because I had to adapt to so many things, like a totally new language, culture and climate. I eventually settled in and now it’s like my second home.

8. What did you find most difficult about leaving?
Definitely the fact that my first child was born without me being there. I had to leave in July and he was born a month later, in August.

9. Most South Africans aren’t too clued up on the Russian soccer scene. Can you tell us how your club is faring on the national scene abroad?
Quite well; we’re fifth in the log

10. And when does the Russian soccer season start?
The season is from March to November. At the moment we’re in recess.

11. Is Champions League football part of the team’s future plans?
In July we’ll be playing in the Intertoto Cup, it’s just below the Champions League. After that we’ll be looking to join the UEFA Cup.

12. A few months ago, FC Moscow played Chiefs. What was it like playing against your old club in your home country?
It was great. I was playing with old team mates in front of Chiefs’ fans, which is always a wonderful experience.

13. Which local team and nation do you support?
Kaizer Chiefs. I support South Africa – obviously, as well as Argentina and Bazil.

14. And the player you admire the most?
The goalkeeper who plays for Chiefs.

15. Can you fill us in on your training routine?
It’s very hectic. We train everyday, and after a match we rest for one day, then we train again until the next match.

16. What do you do to relax? Favourite places to hangout in SA and abroad?
I enjoy hanging out with friends and chilling at café’s. I’m not into the club scene. When I’m here I go to Rosebank, and in Russia I go out to clubs from time to time.

17. In terms of your popularity, do people recognise you in the street or are you a stranger in Moscow?
Hardly. The city is way too big, so I wouldn’t say that I’m recognised. Here in SA I’m more well-known, but even then I’m not a celebrity per se.

18. How would you describe your personality?
I’m quite shy, but hardworking.

19. What are your career highs and lows?
One of the biggest highs was the Sydney Olympics (2000). I haven’t really had any career lows.

20. Do you visit home often?
Not as often as I’d like. I try to visit at least twice a year.

21. And finally, what do you think of Bruinou.com?
Until now I actually didn’t know much about the website (editor: you breaking our hearts ekse Stanton 🙂). I will definitely look out for my interview though…