| Player Profile | |
|---|---|
| Name | Mark Fish |
| Nationality | South African |
| Date of Birth | 14th of March 1974 |
| Latest Club | *Retired |
| Latest Position | Defender |
History of Mark Fish
Born in Cape Town on the 14th of March 1974, Mark Fish was undoubtedly one of the best soccer players in South Africa during his prime.
Not much is written about how his love for football developed during his boyhood years, but Fish’s talents were soon noticed – albeit not in the playing position he is best known for today.
The career of Fish started to take shape when he joined Arcadia Shepherds – a well-established amateur team in Pretoria. Under the tutelage of coach Steve Coetsee, Fish began to blossom. It wasn’t long before professional clubs would come knocking on his door.
Mark Fish in South Africa
He is probably one of South Africa’s finest exports. However, Fish first had to make his name in his homeland.
Jomo Cosmos
Roy Matthews, then coach of Jomo Cosmos, spotted Mark Fish playing for Arcadia Shepherds. He offered him the opportunity to turn professional, which Fish gladly accepted. When Fish signed for Jomo Cosmos, he was playing as a striker, but it was under Matthews that he was converted into a defender.
Fish played for Cosmos for two seasons – from 1991 – 1993 – making 55 appearances (scoring 3 goals). Having developed into one of South Africa’s most promising players, he attracted the attention of bigger clubs.
Orlando Pirates
Cosmos were relegated at the end of the ‘93 season and so Orlando Pirates swooped in and signed Fish. Many observers say that he played some of his best football during his three seasons with the Pirates. He made 110 appearances for Orlando Pirates, scoring 11 goals – a good return for a defender.
Furthermore, Mark Fish won plenty of silverware, including the South Africa Premier League, the BP Top 8 Cup, the Bobsave Super Bowl, and the 1995 African Champions League.
Mark Fish International Career
The Big Fish, as he was fondly known, gained many admirers while starring for the Orlando Pirates and the South Africa national team. This led to a profusion of foreign scouts eyeing up his signature.
SS Lazio
Fish turned down a move to his boyhood club Manchester United, instead choosing to sign for Serie A side SS Lazio. He flatlined somewhat during his one season in Italy, making only 15 league appearances and 2 in the Coppa Italia. Lazio was playing in the UEFA Cup that season too, but Fish wasn’t involved in the squad, mainly due to injuries.
Bolton Wanderers
Mark Fish became Bolton’s highest-paid player when the club signed him from Lazio EUR 2.32 million in the summer of 1997.
Fish was a regular in the starting XI in his first season, drawing praise from the supporters, his teammates, and opposition players. However, despite Fish’s heroics, the Trotters were relegated from the Premier League in 1998. Fish stayed with the club and became a true force the following season while playing in the Championship (England’s second tier).
However, in 1999, Bolton appointed Sam Allardyce, and Fish began to fall out of favor. Having made 103 appearances for the Lancastrian club, scoring three goals, it was time to move on again.
Charlton Athletic
Alan Curbishley snapped up Mark Fish for EUR 1.5 million in 2000. He became a rock in the Addicks’s defense as the club enjoyed its most successful era in the Premier League.
Many fans still recall the 2003-2004 season when Charlton was battling for a top 4 finish. They were such a threat that Chelsea bought Scott Parker from them in the January transfer window, which potentially led to a slump in form.
Mark Fish began to drop down the pecking order at Charlton in 2005, so he opted for a loan move to Ipswich Town. He only managed to play 45 minutes for the Suffolk club. A cruciate ligament injury effectively ended his season.
Soon, Mark Fish announced his retirement from professional football. He was re-signed by Jomo Cosmos in 2007, but lack of match fitness meant he didn’t play a competitive game for them, and so, this time, he hung up his boots for good.
South Africa
Mark Fish played 62 times for his country. He made his debut in an international friendly against Mexico in 1993 and picked up his last cap in 2004 – a World Cup qualifier against Ghana.
The Big Fish was an integral part of the 1996 South Africa team that won the Africa Cup of Nations. He was one of the scorers in this tournament with a vital goal in the quarter-final match against Algeria. Mark Fish was named in the team of the tournament in both the ‘96 and ‘98 Cup of Nations, which highlights his consistently high standard.
This is a snapshot of Mark Fish’s playing career at club level:
| Mark Fish Teams | |
|---|---|
| Team | Period |
| Jomo Cosmos | 1991 – 1993 |
| Orlando Pirates | 1993 – 1996 |
| Lazio | 1996 – 1997 |
| Bolton Wanderers | 1997 – 2000 |
| Charlton Athletic | 2000 – 2005 |
| Ipswich Town (Loan) | 2005 |
| Jomo Cosmos | 2007* – 2011 |
*Retired in 2007 due to injuries and fitness
Frequently Asked Questions about Mark Fish
Mark Fish was a true star of South African football. Here is some more information to complete his player profile.
He is a famous ex-football player. During the 1990s, he was arguably South Africa’s best defender.
Aside from facing two horrific armed robberies and later a heart attack, Fish is actively involved in charity aimed at developing grassroots football in South Africa.
He had a glittering football career playing for Orlando Pirates, SS Lazio, Bolton Wanderers, and Charlton Athletic, among others.
Exact figures for Fish’s net worth are unknown, but it’s estimated to be between $1 – $5 million.
Fish was born on the 14th of March 1974. He is now 48 years old.
He was born in Cape Town, South Africa.
