Sean Roberts' European career was not the easiest, but he fought hard and got an opportunity to face the likes of Wayne Rooney and Michael Owen as a goalkeeper.
In this interview with Soccer Laduma, the former Mamelodi Sundowns and Ajax Cape Town shot-stopper shares his experience from playing in England.
The seasons
I spent a few seasons overseas. I joined Crystal Palace as a junior and a new coach came and shipped things around and I was asked politely to leave. From there, I went on trials at various teams, (including) Manchester City, Tottenham, Watford and I eventually hit my luck at Sheffield Wednesday. That's how that specific move happened. I got released from Crystal Palace and then got a trial at Sheffield Wednesday and that's how everything managed to happen, which was great. I also played in Asia for two years. I was based in Singapore (at Home United).
My first day in Europe
The first day was fine. I come from a British family, so I have a British passport and it made the move easier. I was used to the cold weather, but I must say the first day at training in winter was really cold. I had three pairs of socks. It was really cold, so you need to to get used to that.
My debut
My debut was against Burnley away from home. We were fighting relegation. I think it was 1-1 when I came on in the 83rd minute. The goalkeeper at the time, Kevin Pressman, broke his ankle in that game, I think. We got a free kick in our own half and I took it. The ball landed on the head of Shefqi Kuqi and I think Gerald Sibon kicked it in and we won 2-1, which was a fantastic feeling and a great debut.
Best player I played with
That's a big question. I'd probably say it's still Nasief Morris. He was incredible, calm and always in control, right and left foot. He played at the highest level in Europe. As a goalkeeper, you want someone solid in front of you. Obviously there's big names in terms of Steve Pienaar as well, but defensively having Nasief in front of me was great and he was one one of the better players I played with.
Best player I played against
It would probably be Wayne Rooney. When I was at Sheffield Wednesday, we played against Everton away from home and he was still at Everton. It would be him or Michael Owen. You could see the quality of these players when they were young and coming through. You could see they were destined for great things. With Owen, we played against Liverpool and I think we drew 2-2 and he scored both the goals. Very special player.
Best moment in Europe
I'd say my best moment was when we had that 2-1 win over Burnley. My dad was in the crowd, so he got to witness that. There's actually quite a cool picture that I still have of me expressing my gratitude to him in the crowd. That will always stick in my head.
Worst moment in Europe
It's tough. Everyone thinks the life of a professional player is easy. I never earned millions and millions like some of the players. I think it's tough being away from home. Probably the worst memory for me was when we were 3-0 up at half-time against Bradford, I think. We lost 4-3 and I just had a horrific second half. It's probably one of the worst memories I have. Being away from family is not easy, but you get used to it. I think going on trials at teams is not easy, especially as a goalkeeper. It's a lonely position. There were a couple of testing moments I had abroad.
