Q&A with Shane Booysen:

We ask our South African ball wizard the top 5 questions sent in by fans and as an added bonus we get to hear his fabulous singing voice. Thanks to all the fans who sent in their questions, and a big thanks to Shane for taking part.
https://youtu.be/eI_sGs9WHKo

Booysen to return

Last season’s joint top goalscorer and fans’ favourite, Shane Booysen, is nearly five months into his rehabilitation after a serious ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) operation. Shane suffered the injury to his knee in the first minute of the match with National Police on 26 February. The operation to both knees took place on 13 April at the Sports Science Institute in Cape Town. One knee incision was to use ligament tissue to repair his ACL on the other knee. Shane had to use a wheelchair and stay off his feet for two weeks before being allowed to use crutches to walk. The doctor allowed him to begin movement exercises five weeks after the operation, which included knee, thigh and hamstring strengthening and cycling in the gym. Whilst the usual recovery period for an ACL can be between 6 and 9 months, it depends on the rehabilitation and the discipline of the player involved. The latest doctor’s report is positive as far as Shane is concerned, though he still has up to four more months of physical therapy work ahead of him. Shane is looking forward to returning to Phnom Penh before the end of this month, and was keen to say a big thank you to his family and friends in his hometown for their support and encouragement, as well as the messages of support that have flooded in from Cambodia while he has been recovering at home. “Being out of action for a whole season is frustrating and to be honest, staying mentally strong and focused isn't easy but with the support of my family things went smoothly and I'm becoming stronger every day. I can't wait to come back and get stronger because I know my role in the team is important, so focusing on next season is my main priority.” Everyone is looking forward to Shane's return to PPCFC. Picture of Shane as he walks out for the National Police match (by Oung Pannhapich).

Shane signs on at Crown

Shane Booysen signs on the dotted line with Sam Schweingruber

The lightning quick feet and outstanding ball control of South African-born Shane Booysen are expected to be a prominent feature for PPCFC in the 2015 Metfone C-League competition after the 26-year-old signed a 1-year contract with the club. Booysen, after a year playing in Thailand, arrived on trial in February, scored two goals in his first friendly match against BBU and has impressed everyone who has seen him play. Crown Head coach Sam Schweingruber was happy to see Booysen put pen to paper: “We are delighted Shane has signed with us, he was our target player to get on board. He is both experienced and talented and his outstanding technique has in the past weeks excited teammates, staff and fans. We are looking forward to Shane’s contribution to defend the title.”
Booysen was born in Cape Town, the second-largest city in South Africa and began playing football at Ajax Cape Town as a ten-year-old. Four years later he joined the full-time Hellenic FC Academy, one of the best in the country, for three years and appeared for the Western Province U-17s. In his mid-teens he moved to the country’s most successful club Mamelodi Sundowns and played for their reserves for two years before spells at Gleneden United, back to Ajax Cape Town and a loan stint in the National First Division with Ikapa Sporting. In March of last year (2014), Booysen took the decision to pursue his career goals abroad, moved to Thailand and played regularly for Rbac Mittraphap and Bangkok Christian College-Tero in the Thai Regional League Division 2 before joining Crown in February.
Booysen looks set to become a fans favourite, having already impressed in a handful of friendly matches. He was delighted to sign for Crown: “I feel honoured to join the league champions of Cambodia. We are a good team and I know we will work well together. The players and staff are like a family and they have welcomed me since day 1. I will do my best for the team, my coach and the fans. I’m really excited for the season ahead, I can’t wait for us to progress together and I know we will defend our title”.