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Amidst the glorious sporting heights achieved by Fagmie Solomons, there lies the sombre truth – a tale of unrealised potential lost to the cruel grasp of apartheid.
by FEROZ SHAIK
IN the heart of Bo-Kaap, where the cobblestone streets carry the echoes of generations past, there resides a man whose name reverberates through the annals of sporting history: Fagmie Solomons, affectionately known as ‘Fluffy’. His story is not just one of athletic prowess but a testament to the power of passion, perseverance, the unwavering support of community and what could have been?
Stepping into his room, one is immediately struck by a gallery of triumphs adorning all four walls. From rugby triumphs to cricket conquests, from personal accolades to cherished memorabilia, each picture and award tells a story of talent and tenacity. Yet, amidst the glory, there lies the sombre truth—a tale of unrealised potential lost to the cruel grasp of apartheid.
Born and raised at 83 Dorp Street, Bo-Kaap, Solomons emerged into the world with a boundless energy that found its outlet in the sporting arena. Learning his trade in the passageway of his home and the streets of Bo-Kaap, is where the legend of ‘Fluffy’ was born. ‘It was a nickname given to me by Boeta Kagee because no one could stop me. No one could get me out in cricket and I scored all the tries in rugby, ‘said Solomons as he recalled his childhood days.
His first big moment came whilst in Sub A at the age of seven. ‘I attended Schotsche Kloof primary. At one game, one of the players did not turn up. Even though pupils were only allowed to play from standard one, I begged the sports teacher Miss Edwards to put me in. After reluctantly agreeing, I had to turn my grey pants upside down to turn it into a white shorts. We won that game. The next day in assembly, Miss Edwards told the school what happened and said I was the best player,’ said Solomons as he recalled his first foray into rugby.
Solomons excelled in rugby, soccer and cricket but because rugby and soccer was played in winter, he followed his dad’s advice and chose rugby.
Over the next few years, Solomons excelled in rugby and cricket. He captained the Western Province Primary Schools XV at the age of 12 and became a regular in the Ottoman’s Under 16 cricket team and by the age of 15, he was a first team player for Young Stars (rugby) and Ottoman (cricket) where he batted at number four.
‘At 15, I was also selected to play for the Western Province Under 19 team to play a tournament in Durban,’ he added. It was not long before Solomons established himself as one of the best all round sportsmen in the country.
His cricket highlights saw him being part of a very successful Western Province team. He won the Howa Bowl with a very strong Province team in the 1977/78, 1979/80,1980/81,1981/82,1982/83 and 1983/84 seasons. ‘My final game for Province was the Benson and Hedges final at Green Point Track when we beat Transvaal in 1985. I officially retired from cricket after that match, ‘said Solomons.
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Solomons also made his provincial rugby debut in 1977 and captained Province in 1980. While shining on the sports field, Solomons also caught the eye of prospective sponsors and became the first black player to be sponsored by Adidas from 1977 to 1989.
‘My rugby highlights include playing in the Province team that won the SA Cup in 1986, our centenary year. That was special because we were unbeaten. I also made the SARU XV that season as well. In 1987, I captained the SARU team that played NANRU (Namibia National Rugby Union) in a one-off game. In total, I was capped four times by SARU. One of my other rugby highlights was winning the RFU Grand Challenge five years in a row from 1971 to 1975 with Young Stars. I officially retired in 1989,’said Solomons.
‘My Islamic upbringing was the foundation for my success in life, while one of my biggest influences was my dad Abdullah Solomons. I fondly remember him sharing tactics with me with match sticks at the table, ‘said a very proud Solomons. ‘And if you ask me what my biggest highlight was, it would be going for umrah with my eldest son Ebrahim last year,’ said Solomons, whilst proudly displaying his Umrah photos.
Solomons also named the likes of GN Khan (Former President of WP Rugby Union), HM Salie (Former manager of WP), Hassan Howa (Former President of SACOS and the South African Cricket Board) as people who played a huge part in his life.
These days, Solomons will still be found at his family home in Dorp Street and spends some time coaching in his private capacity for the love of the game and spending time with his grandchildren.
