Legends honour Farouk Abrahams as benefit dinner raises support for cancer care

The Farouk Abrahams Benefit Dinner, held at Islamia Hall and supported by Survé Philanthropies, brought together respected sporting figures in a show of support for a man many described as a football legend, mentor and community builder.

Abrahams, who was diagnosed with cancer in December 2023, has been battling the illness since then. The dinner aimed to raise funds towards his treatment, medical care and related support.

The evening was firmly centred on Abrahams’ contribution to football, the young players he has mentored and the communities he has uplifted through the game.

South African football legends, community leaders and supporters gathered in Lansdowne on Saturday, June 13, to honour former professional goalkeeper and coach Farouk Abrahams at a benefit dinner held to assist him with ongoing cancer treatment and care costs.

Michael Augoustides of Mike’s Sports described Abrahams as a “great asset” and someone “well respected in the football fraternity”.

He recalled working closely with Abrahams, saying he was fortunate when Abrahams joined him as both manager and player.

“Under his guidance, we did very well. We got promoted and managed to beat our arch rivals at the time,” Augoustides said.

He said some of Abrahams’ football lessons had stayed with him over the years.

“Keep things simple and let the ball do the work,” he recalled.

Augoustides said Abrahams’ legacy extended beyond the field, describing him as “a legend in and out of the field” who helped children and uplifted communities.

Former footballer Duncan Crowie said he felt honoured to attend the event and pay tribute to Abrahams.

“We are here to celebrate not only a remarkable sportsperson and not only a remarkable goalkeeper, but a remarkable human being,” Crowie said.

He said the qualities required of a goalkeeper reflected the strength Abrahams had shown throughout his life and career.

“As a former goalkeeper, he understood something that many can learn. The goalkeeper is the last line of defence, and if he makes a mistake, it is a goal,” Crowie said.

“A goalkeeper needs to show resilience, needs to be brave, and needs the ability to rise again after every setback. Those qualities defined Farouk as a goalkeeper and continue to define him today.”

Crowie also acknowledged the difficult health battle Abrahams is facing, saying it did not diminish the “respect, admiration and love” surrounding him.

Banyana Banyana Coach Desiree Ellis described Abrahams as a mentor and dedicated football man whose impact had reached far beyond the goalposts.

“Through his guidance, his impact has reached far beyond the field and into opportunity for many young lives,” Ellis said.

“It is now our turn to thank him. We are here to show our gratitude, hope and unity, and to remind you of the community behind you, Coach Farouk.”

In his keynote address, Survé said the event was not about sadness, but about celebrating Abrahams’ life and contribution.

“We are not here to be sad, but to celebrate you,” Survé said, addressing Abrahams directly.

Survé said Abrahams belonged to a generation of talented footballers whose careers were shaped by apartheid and whose stories were not always properly recorded.

“Many were robbed of the opportunity to play internationally because of apartheid,” he said.

He added: “What is missing is that we don’t tell our stories. We don’t write and publish our stories.”

Survé said football had always been a “great equaliser”, where a player’s background mattered less than their ability once they stepped onto the field.

He also praised Abrahams for continuing to give back through his goalkeeper academy and for remaining a role model to young players.

“We can’t allow icons like you to be forgotten,” Survé said.

Speakers said Abrahams’ work through football had helped shape young players not only as athletes, but as people, with his academy and mentorship repeatedly highlighted as part of his legacy.

lilita.gcwabe@inl.co.za