South African football legends, community leaders, and supporters packed Islamia Hall in Lansdowne on Saturday, June 13, for a benefit dinner honouring former professional goalkeeper and coach Farouk Abrahams. The event, supported by Survé Philanthropies, aimed to raise funds for Abrahams' ongoing cancer treatment and care costs.
Abrahams was diagnosed with cancer in December 2023 and has been battling the illness since. The dinner wasn't just about fundraising — it was a celebration of a man many describe as a football legend, mentor, and community builder.
"We're here to celebrate not only a remarkable sportsperson and not only a remarkable goalkeeper, but a remarkable human being," said former footballer Duncan Crowie.
Crowie highlighted the qualities that defined Abrahams both on and off the pitch. "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."
Michael Augoustides of Mike's Sports called Abrahams a "great asset" and recalled working with him as both manager and player. Under Abrahams' guidance, the team got promoted and beat their arch-rivals. Augoustides still remembers Abrahams' football lesson: "Keep things simple and let the ball do the work."
Banyana Banyana coach Desiree Ellis described Abrahams as a mentor whose impact reached far beyond the goalposts. "Through his guidance, his impact has reached far beyond the field and into opportunity for many young lives," she said. "It's now our turn to thank him."
Dr Iqbal Survé, executive chairman of the Sekunjalo Group, delivered the keynote address. He said the event wasn't about sadness but about celebrating Abrahams' life and contribution. Survé noted that Abrahams belongs to a generation of talented footballers whose careers were shaped by apartheid. "Many were robbed of the opportunity to play internationally because of apartheid," he said. He added that South Africans don't tell their stories enough, and that football has always been a "great equaliser."
Survé 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," he said.
Abrahams' legacy extends beyond his playing days. After retiring, he became a coach and mentor, running a goalkeeper academy that has shaped young players not just as athletes but as people. The benefit dinner was a reminder of the community that stands behind him as he faces his health battle.