21 Questions with Junaid Hartley

In the spirit of the World Cup we bring you an interview with another great soccer personality.

He’s been called the bad boy of football and is known for his expert dribbling. From a young age he was dubbed “the next big thing” in SA football. You may even remember the two goals he scored against France in the 1997 FIFA World Youth Championship. So where is Junaid Hartley, the player with plenty of ball skills and lots of attitude? We spoke to him recently about his current team in Malaysia and what he’s been up to in the last couple of years.

While some footballers based overseas barely make it home twice a year, Junaid travels back to SA every month. The controversial and candid (he started many of his responses with a straightforward “To be honest…”) player doesn’t mince his words or hang around for too long. Read on to find out more about the football talent they call Twinkle Toes.

First things first – biographical details:

Full Names : Junaid Hartley
Nickname : Twinkle Toes
Date of birth : 22 June 1978

1. Where were you born and raised what was it like growing up?
I’m from Bosmont. It’s a typical coloured township; I also lived in Fleurhof on the West Rand.

2. Which schools did you attend and what did you like/dislike most about school?
I went to CJB High School and Grey’s College. I thought school was a waste of time. I think the education system here is poor. Plus I was no good at Maths so I really did not enjoy it.

3. How would you describe your personality?
I’m controversial and full of shit.

4. Did you always want to be a soccer player?
Yes I always wanted to become a soccer player. I always knew I was going to make it professionally.

5. When did you first start playing soccer professionally and for what club?
I started at fifteen playing for Wits University.

6. Since then, which other clubs have you played for?
Quite a few; after Wits I played in France for two years [for First Division side Lens]. I came back to SA and played for [Orlando] Pirates for two years, [Moroka] Swallows for one year and Ajax Cape Town for a year and a half. [And for Maritzburg United]

7. Where are you playing at the moment?
I’m currently playing in Malaysia for a club called Sarawak.

8. How did the move come about, and to Malaysia of all places, seeing as most local players head for Europe if they play abroad?
I was approached by the club, as they had remembered my performance in the FIFA World Youth Championship in 1997 and were impressed, so they made me an offer. I decided to move to Malaysia because the money there is much better.

9. What was it like moving from SA and how quickly did you adapt to the change?
The standard of football in Malaysia is similar to South Africa so it wasn’t hard to fit in. Also, I’m Moslem, so there wasn’t really a culture shock. And unlike being in France, everyone speaks English, so I adjusted quite easily. Malaysians are a lot more laidback, Kuala Lumpur is one of the most beautiful cities in the world and it’s very mixed.

10. What is your training routine like? Is it very hectic?
To be honest, I don’t train as much as my team mates because I prefer to save myself for match days.

11. Do you get away with it? Don’t the coaches mind?
Some coaches have a problem with it, others don’t. If they do, I leave. I get along with the coach at Sarawak because he understands what makes me tick. People like to say I have an attitude but I just speak the truth. And when you speak the truth you get victimized.

12. What has been the defining moment in your career?
Scoring two goals in the World under20 (1997) against France, where we played against the likes of Thierry Henri.

13. Are there any local or international players that you admire or would like to emulate?
Locally, there are none. Internationally, I admire many players. At the moment it’s Frank Lampard [Chelsea]

14. What club do you support?
In South Africa I support Pirates and on the international scene, Chelsea, because of the coach [Jose Mourinho]. He’s such an arrogant guy – he’s good, his team is good, he knows it, and I love it.

15. How often do you visit SA?
Since I started playing in Malaysia, I’ve been home six times in the last six months. I’m supposed to head back to Malaysia after the World Cup, but we’ll see. I actually plan on moving. I won’t say where, I’ll just let you know that I plan to leave Sarawak soon.

16. When you’re not working, what do you enjoy doing?
I love clubbing, going to bars (Buzz Nine, Monsoon Lagoon and The Palms), spending time with friends and watching soccer. I’m hardly ever at home. I have two daughters so they also keep me busy.

17. What would you say was the most daring thing that you have ever done?
Hiding in a cupboard until someone’s boyfriend left.

18. Are you single?
I’m not married.

19. Is your career going according to plan, or are there still things that you’d like to accomplish?
If I consider my abilities I don’t think I’ve made it as far as I could have, compared to other players. I don’t think I’ve reached my full potential. But I have no regrets.

20. You say you haven’t reached your full potential. What has stopped you?
I’ve stopped myself. I thought I was bigger than the game. But you know, when you’re young you make mistakes. The important thing is to learn from them.

21. And finally, what do you think of Bruinou.com?
As of two days ago I did not even know about the website but I will check it out to read this interview.