Leeds fans overseas

What it feels like to be a Leeds fan in South Africa

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This is the second edition of the series, this time we have a Leeds supporter from South Africa.

My name is Austin Pillay or as many may know me @Austin4evaLEEDS, I am 26 years old and a lifelong Leeds United fan, born and bred in the beautiful South Africa.
I was asked to write a piece and I am happy to share my experiences of what it is like to be a Leeds United fan in South Africa. We’re here, we’re there, we’re everywhere!
There was a time when we (in South Africa) could watch Leeds United play on a regular weekend basis (not forgetting, those glorious European nights), but with the unfortunate events which have seen our side fall from the top flight of English football, it is on very rare occasions that matches are televised, here. Even highlight shows on the Championship are a scarce occurrence. I am obviously unable to attend matches at the fortress Elland Road, as many of you Leeds United faithful do, but my commitment to LUFC has never wavered.
I consider myself an unofficial “ambassador” of the club; I am always representing Leeds United in some shape or form, be it via tattoos, shirts, scarves, or even just decorating my car in those famous colors of white, yellow and blue. My friends here have given me a nickname “Mr Leeds” which I am proud to bear.
Being South African and due to the fact that so many people here, jump on the bandwagon for supporting football teams , I often get asked “How and why did you start supporting Leeds, was it because of Lucas Radebe?”
Although I am a huge fan of the Chief, I started supporting Leeds thanks for my father, I followed in his footsteps, Leeds United is in my blood. His love for Leeds started in 60s under the great Revie team. I am the second generation of Leeds fans in my family. You know the old saying “Like Father, Like Son” It was that father/son bonding during my early stages of life that got me so attached to this club. I shared the highs and lows with my dad. THAT Yeboah goal, Viduka’s quartet, Bowyers long range effort that trickled past Dida and Beckford scoring at the Stretford end, to name ONLY a few, it would be impossible for me to support anyone else. I often spend time with him reminiscing about “The good old days” but I feel those good times will soon return.
I enjoy being different, standing out, and not following the majority of glory hunters, but I often wished I had more contact with Leeds fans. This has changed a lot over the last few years due to the social network explosion. Thanks to twitter I have linked up with so many wonderful fans both locally and abroad. The majority being from the city of Leeds.
I am fortunate enough to have appeared in an official match day program. I had a copy sent down to me by my good friend Evangeline and this was a very proud moment for me.
These days, match days are much more exciting, even though not televised, you feel like you are right there while listening online and following fellow fan’s tweets. I would like to thank the Leeds United fans for being so welcoming to the fans abroad, and thank you to the editors of LeedsAllOver for giving me the opportunity to share my experience of what it’s like to be a fan in South Africa.
I cannot wait for my first visit to Leeds and Elland Road, but you can be certain, I will always be flying the Leeds United Flag high and PROUD here in South Africa.

Marching On Together

skybet.com

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