Sorry for the delay, but had computer problems. Here is part History - Part 5 In October 1973, Willie Havenga, one of the clubs directors , replaced Lill. Hancock and `Toddy` Crankshaw became his assistants. Behind the scenes Crankshaw who had a record 43- year association with the club, was hoping to secure the managers job. His confidence was high because his previous portfolios included masseur, trainer, coach, groundsman and acting-manager. But when Mike Kenning was appointed as player/manager in April 1974, the loyal official found the appointment of another Briton hard to handle and tendered his resignation. Kenning`s new-look side struggled in their first season together but by the end of 1975 they were back in 4th place - where they deserved to be. Strong team spirit played a vital role and with five solid South Africans in defence (Pretorius, Venter, Leggatt, Hendricks and Les Godwin), together with one Rhodesian (Stan Jacobitz), the team looked good. Kenning and Mike McGowan (ex-Durban United) marshalled the midfield, whilst up front Willie Beattie (ex-Durban United), John O`Mara (Bradford City), and star striker Mike Collins (ex- Rangers) were a menace to most goalkeepers. Other players during this period included Ian Delacour, Jimmy Oliver, Richard Young (all ex- Jewish Guild), Tony Jacobson, Neil Merrick, Dave Arnison,, Rod Pieterse and Dennis Snoyman. Collins, a golden striker, was chiefly responcable for the club`s goals in 1975 & 1976. But when he was wooed away to Lusitano the next year and Kenning left for Durban United, the great Callies era was begging to wane. Robert Stewart, the eldest son of Jock, joined the board of directors in March 1976. And although this ment a third generation of the family was involved with Callies his involvment didn`t last long. The club was taken over by Abe Ephron and in 1978 played in the First Division of the NPSL under the flag of Imperial Callies. the league had promised that the top ten clubs would remain in the elite division. And Callies duly edged home. However, when Maroka Swallows finished one slot lower (in 11th position), Ephron recieved the dreadful news that they would be granted amnesty from relegation and that his team would have to play in the lower league. Nick Mavrodakis, a former player told me that the excuse given to our owner was that Swallows deserved to stay up because their gates were substanially greater than ours. We averaged about 2 000 fans per match, whereas Swallows mustered about 9 000. There was nothing we could do and a few months later Callies disapeared just short of their 75th anniversary. This was the first time in treir history that the club had been relegated and its important to give the line-up for one of their last games on 4th Nov. 1978: Dave Pretorius, Alan Hall, Mike Hendricks, Murphy Radingoane, Veli Mdimela, Dave Goodwin, Nick Mavrodakis, Pat Smith, Brian Walters, Andre Roets, Soloman Mohlabane, Glen Walters, Bennie Booysen, Greg Anderson and Ian Lill. Two Germiston businessman, Rod Scott and Rob van Goch resuscitated the club in 1983 but it died a second time.. When I visited a derelict Driehoek Stadium in 2001, I imagined the ghosts of the Callies greats of yesteryear asking me WHY they had not been consulted as to the future of this once vibrant venue. NEXT: A full list of players who once wore the famous maroon & white. Also a full list of managers & trainers. See you all shortly
Posted on: Wed, 21 Aug 2013 14:19:11 +0000
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