Mark Fish facts for kids
Fish playing for Charlton Athletic in 2004
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| Personal information | ||||||||||||||||||||||
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| Full name | Mark Anthony Fish | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Date of birth | 14 March 1974 | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Place of birth | Cape Town, South Africa | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Height | 1.87 m (6 ft 1+1⁄2 in) | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Position(s) | Defender | |||||||||||||||||||||
| Youth career | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Arcadia Shepherds | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Senior career* | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| Years | Team | Apps | (Gls) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1991–1993 | Jomo Cosmos | 55 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1993–1996 | Orlando Pirates | 110 | (11) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1996–1997 | Lazio | 15 | (1) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 1997–2000 | Bolton Wanderers | 103 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2000–2005 | Charlton Athletic | 102 | (3) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2005 | → Ipswich Town (loan) | 1 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||
| 2007 | Jomo Cosmos | 0 | (0) | |||||||||||||||||||
| Total | 386 | (21) | ||||||||||||||||||||
| International career | ||||||||||||||||||||||
| 1993–2004 | South Africa | 62 | (2) | |||||||||||||||||||
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Medal record
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| *Club domestic league appearances and goals | ||||||||||||||||||||||
Mark Anthony Fish (born 14 March 1974) is a famous South African former professional footballer. He played as a defender, which means he helped protect his team's goal.
Contents
Mark Fish's Club Career Highlights
Early Days in South Africa
Mark Fish started his football journey in his hometown of Cape Town, South Africa. He played for an amateur team called Arcadia Shepherds in Pretoria. A coach named Roy Matthews from Jomo Cosmos noticed his talent. Mark became a professional player with Jomo Cosmos, first as a striker. Later, he changed his position to a left-back, becoming a promising defender.
In 1994, Mark joined Orlando Pirates. This was a very successful time for him. He helped the team win the league championship and the BP Top 8 cup in 1994. In 1995, they won the African Champions League and the Bob Save Super Bowl. He even captained the team when they won the CAF Super Cup in 1996.
Playing in Europe
After his success in South Africa, Mark Fish moved to Europe. He joined Lazio in Italy for one season. Then, he moved to England to play for Bolton Wanderers. He was a key player in Bolton's defense. Even though Bolton was relegated (moved down to a lower league) in his first season, Mark remained a popular player with the fans. They even gave him the nickname "Feesh"!
In November 2000, Mark joined Charlton Athletic. He played over 100 games for them in the Premier League, scoring three goals.
Later Career and Retirement
By 2005, Mark started playing less for Charlton. He had a short loan spell at Ipswich Town. Unfortunately, a serious knee injury forced him to announce his retirement from professional football.
He tried to return to football in 2007 with his first club, Jomo Cosmos. However, he did not play any official games because he wasn't fully fit.
Mark Fish's International Career
Mark Fish was a very important player for the South African national team. He is best known for being a key part of the team that won the 1996 African Cup of Nations. He even scored a goal in the quarter-final match against Algeria.
He was recognized as one of the best players in the tournament, being named to the Team of the Tournament in both 1996 and 1998. Overall, he played 62 games for South Africa and scored two goals. His first international game was against Mexico in 1993, and his last was in 2004.
Personal Life
In August 2008, Mark Fish's wife and son were at their home in Pretoria with friends when their house was robbed.
Honours and Achievements
Mark Fish achieved many great things during his football career:
Club Honours
- Orlando Pirates
- National Soccer League: 1994
- Bob Save Super Bowl: 1996
- BP Top Eight Cup: 1996
- African Cup of Champions Clubs: 1995
- CAF Super Cup: 1996
International Honours
- South Africa
- African Cup of Nations: 1996 (Winner); 1998 (Runner-up); 2000 (Third place)
See also
In Spanish: Mark Fish para niños
