Bubbly Umdloti resident Marc van Heerden’s fun-loving personality shines through the moment you meet him.
Born in Johannesburg, the Amazulu Football Club left back player has been enjoying Durban’s beautiful beaches for the past four years.
“I love the ocean. The first thing I do every morning is take a run on the beach to clear my mind and prepare for the day ahead. I enjoy going to SUNCOAST beach, and relaxing on the Sun Deck at SUNCOAST where I unwind and enjoy time to myself,” says the 23-year old self-confessed perfectionist.
Introduced to soccer by his dad, Marc’s love for soccer began at a very young age.
“I always wanted to be a soccer player. I have been athletic and have enjoyed sport from an early age. It’s always been a part of me.
“I started playing soccer at the age of five for a team called Robersham Callies in Johannesburg. I was always getting into trouble at school for not doing my homework because I was always playing soccer.
“My dad used to play professional soccer for Leeds United in the UK so he drove my love and passion for soccer. My mum was the one rushing me off to training and to all my matches, and making sure my boots were always clean.
“My parents have always supported me and I owe my success and drive to them,” he says proudly.
Marc also enjoys playing golf and being active. He is up at 6am everyday getting ready for training.
“I have to have a bowl of cereal, a herbal shake and a cup of coffee before I start my day. Without my coffee I’m very grumpy,” he laughs.
A bachelor who lives on his own, Marc admits that his worst habit is leaving the toilet seat up.
“Having lived on my own for many years, I love cooking up a storm. I especially love good pasta. My favourite chicken pasta is from Mimmos at SUNCOAST, and of course I can’t resist Havana’s fillet steak.
“My busy schedule and lifestyle does not afford me much time to be able to be in a relationship. However, I am a firm believer that love will always find you, so I’m always open to the possibility that that can happen one day,” he smiles.
A lover of speed and adrenalin, Marc enjoys spending evenings driving around in his BMW 125i, and dreams of owning a black and orange Bugatti Veyron.
“If I was not a professional soccer player, I would definitely be a Formula One driver. I love speed and the adrenalin rush,” laughs Marc.
Wanting to always be remembered as someone who makes others happy, and for being a happy person himself, Marc wants to focus on being a better person within himself. This is his resolution for 2012.
“I want to work on myself to be a better person in every way. I also hope to make the Bafana Bafana squad in 2012. My ultimate dream is to play in Europe for a few years and ultimately for the English Premier League.
“I am a firm believer that being disciplined, dedicated and above all humble will get you wherever you need to be. I’ve always focused on my dreams and pushed for it. And of course having the Lord on your side, anything is possible,” he says.
When he’s off the field, Marc enjoys travelling, watching comedies, playing with his Jack Russell Rocco, and listening to music that has a good beat and brings joy to him.
“I love to relax at SUNCOAST’s Hotel and Towers bar, and don’t mind trying my luck at SUNCOAST’s Casino either. Rocco also enjoys a run at SUNCOATS’s beach every now and then. Since I love the beach, I try taking him out as much as possible.
“I’d love to take a holiday soon. My dream destination is the Maldives without a doubt. The magnificent blue ocean, water sports and rich culture is something I’d love to explore,” say Marc.