John Budgie Byrne.

Another Stella player from those days was Robert "Boom boom" Le Clos, an enthusiastic punter who is a cousin of Bert Le Clos, father of Chad.

The "UUUUUNNNNNNBelievable" statement that Bert has become famous for was actually invented by Robert.

His other claim to fame is that he once scored 16 goals in one match (!) and this will be vouched for by many.

Robert was also a Natal snooker player, the sport from which he gets his nickname.

Robert hangs out these days with Alex "Budgie" Byrne and others at Greyville's ClubTab and is also still a regular at Stella's bar .

Other Clubtab regulars include another former Durban City player Merv "Swerve" Haupfleisch as well as that era's coach Clive Barker.

Pirates is recognised as the worst football player among ClubTab's regulars.

robert drinks at stella but he didnt play his football there...umbilo was his club team...

Pirates and Rob
I remember both Chalmers and Mike James.
centre forward and centre half respectively for Maritzburg Football Club.
I don't know what happened to Chalmers.
Mike (maybe) and the goalie of MFC, Len Wilkinson worked for Natal Die Casting in Pinetown previously.

I remember going to Rand Stadium for the Castle Cup final (MFC vs Cape Town City), the jouney driving up from Pmb took an eternity.
MFC won on penalties and the substitute keeper (Len Wilkinson who debutised for Gordon Lauderdale) pulling off some brilliant saves.

Unfortunately tragedy struck when a car carrying MFC supporters plunged into a swollen Vaal river. all six occupants were drowned

pirates Wrote:

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> robert drinks at stella but he didnt play his
> football there...umbilo was his club team...


Robert's brother John le Clos played at Umbilo for years and hockey at GOB ( where I had the pleasure of playing with him and consuming endless post match beers). Le Clos the shortest chaps on the park, but the loudest.

I recall watching a Maritzburg United game as a kid and the most vivid memory was of the roar whenever Chalmers got the ball.

Love read the stories from all you old guys ()

Then realize i left school 20 odd years ago myself

Natal junior sides at interprovincial tournaments were always the hardest and best supported teams ( parents took the games very serious and were passionate )

rob faux Wrote:

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> Titch,the Meths were not a family you wanted to be
> on the wrong side of ..............it was damaging
> lol
>
> I am sure a younger family member posted here not
> so long ago..........I wanted to ask at the time!

Erol and Arthur where drinking partners at both Stella and the old Berea Inn...you are right Gene and erol were "boxers" of note

A bit before my time but here's a trip down memory lane........................................

S.A.Soccer Monthly 1963....................................... expro.co.za/Pdffiles/Vol%201%20No%209%20-%20Nov%201963.pdf

Agra, I am still a member (country) of Mariitzburg Golf Club and normally still have a drink with all the renegades,including Mike,whenever I get down there!

rob faux Wrote:

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> Agra, I am still a member (country) of Mariitzburg
> Golf Club and normally still have a drink with
> all the renegades,including Mike,whenever I get
> down there!

Centrehalf of note

Titch Wrote:

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> Played with my late brother Arthur Lightening late
> '60's


Didn't know Arthur was your brother Titch. He was my inspiration growing up. Friend of my old man. Him an Arthur Dup taught me everything I know about goal keeping.