That’s their motto, “Nothing But The Best”, but Club Life President Rubin Faulmann says its officially meant to be the Latin version which is " Nehil sed Optimus”. Whichever version you use, one thing is certain, and that is that RAFC has produced some of the finest football talents from our community. Many of them having moved on to bigger things, playing for bigger clubs, and one former RAFC player is actually coaching county cricket in the UK at present.
We thought it only fitting to give out bragging rights to RAFC in our first edition, ja wag Trinitarians and Invincible Cravenby, you’ll get your turn. Rubin tells us that their arch derby rivals are Trinnies and Invincible Cravenby.
To all the other community clubs reading this, drop us an email editorinchief@ravenreport.co.za or Whatsapp on 0745037001 and let’s talk about your club heroes and achievements.
Rubin joined the club as a 16-year-old laaitie in the 80’s and has been a faithful servant to the team as a player, manager and custodian ever since. He laughs as he recalls that his nick-name back then was “Stompie”. Stompie soon made his mark as a goal keeper, and also took up various admin roles at RAFC.
ANYONE CAN JOIN
I asked him what makes the club special. “We accept anyone who wants to play, we don’t have trials, and we put a lot of emphasis on discipline and structure. So for the youngsters in our community, the club offers that focus on discipline and goal orientation that is often lacking in their personal environment.”
The club competes in the Northern Suburbs Local Football Association Union and has teams from under 8 to veterans actively playing. Funding for the club comes from ad-hoc sponsorships, of which more is needed, and very affordable membership fees. “Many years ago, we started the Chairman’s Junior Fund, whereby members who could afford to do so, would pay a little extra in membership fees, which we use to assist other players who may not be able to afford a uniform or boots etc.”
Life member Bruce Solomons, Life President Rubin Faulmann, club youngest player, Micah Silver (6) and the oldest active player at RAFC, Shane Ross
#BYOH
When talking about players that have done well, Rubin beams with pride.
Gershwin Kok was a junior goalkeeper at RAFC and eventually ended up at Mamelodi Sundowns, before bagging a South African National U20 goalkeeper call-up. Reece Peters started his junior career with RAFC and now plays for Cape Town City. One of the club’s most well-known former players is Alfonso Thomas who was a Junior Sportsman of the Year recipient when he played under 12 at RAFC. But Alfonso was good at other sports as well and actually played for the Proteas. His leadership skills which emerged at a young age is paying dividends even now as he coaches county cricket at Leicestershire in England
It has to be noted as well, that Rubin’s stewardship and commitment did not go unnoticed when he was honoured by SAFA Cape Town last year, as a recipient of a "Lifetime Achievers Award" for inspirational service to the football community as a player and administrator.
For more information about RAFC and how to become Ravensmead’s next footballing hero, please contact Rubin on 0823067003.
