From South African captain to Warrington Rylands: Dean Furman’s journey to non-league

When Dean Furman was at the peak of his powers, he could be found marshaling the South African midfield during titanic battles in the African Cup of Nations. Indeed, for many years, the Bafana Bafana engine room was powered by this intelligent footballer who would shine in some of the most emotionally charged fixtures the Rainbow Nation has had in recent times. Remarkably, Furman always seemed to be one step ahead of the opposition when he turned out for his country during these times which earned him the respect and significantly, gratitude of South African football fans.

An unlikely cult hero emerges

Chiefly, this was down to the fact that the deep-lying midfield role was not one that any player had been able to call their own whilst in a Bafana Bafana shirt.

Dean Furman says if Africa did not know Bafana Bafana, now they do. pic.twitter.com/0rmxI37SOh

— Tshepang Mailwane (@T_Mailwane) July 13, 2019

Perhaps unsurprisingly, this lack of steel and guile in the middle of the park often led to South Africa being overpowered by any opposition that were well organised. That was, however, until Furman was given his debut against Brazil in September 2012 by coach Gordon Igesund. Needless to say, it was the ultimate baptism of fire but just three days later against Mozambique, Furman would earn his first “man of the match” award for his country.

Huge honour to have made my 50th appearance for @BafanaBafana and what a night to do it! Special feeling to be part of this team, fighting together to make our country proud. #afcon2019 see you soon! 🇿🇦⚽️ pic.twitter.com/vHR8eVTQoR

— Dean Furman (@de4no22) March 25, 2019

It would be the start of an astonishing rise to the top of South African football for the industrious midfielder who would eventually be handed the captain’s armband in 2015. When Furman made his last appearance for his country in 2020, he did so having racked up 58 international caps along with scoring four goals.

South Africa’s decline following Furman’s exit

Tellingly, since Furman made his Bafana Bafana exit after leaving the local DSTV Premiership to play overseas, the team have gone into a regrettable tailspin and even missed out on qualification for the 2022 World Cup. Sadly for fans in the Rainbow Nation, there is no mention of South Africa in the latest World Cup betting odds with Senegal, as of the 10th of November, the highest-ranked African team priced at 100/1 to leave the Middle East with football’s most coveted trophy. There will be no sign of the 2010 World Cup hosts in Qatar and if you want to find Furman over this time, then you will have to head up to the North West of England.

Indeed, the Northern Premier League Premier Division is the new home of the man who used to put Africa’s greatest players to the sword after signing for Warrington Rylands in the seventh tier of English football.

Furman finds a new home in the seventh tier of English football

Like many, you may be surprised to hear that the Northern Premier League is where Furman is plying his trade nowadays but the answer to that is quite simple: this is a man who loves football and will play for as long as any team needs him. At least, the 34-year-old is well prepared for life after football having previously completed a four-year degree in sports science from Manchester Metropolitan University on top of enjoying a career that rewarded him well.

Post Match Interview with tonight’s skipper, Dean Furman! pic.twitter.com/ufCwuMulba

— Warrington Rylands FC (@RylandsFC) August 23, 2022

Furthermore, in addition to keeping the Rylands midfield turning over, as he did expertly during a dominant 2-0 win over Whitby Town in early November, Furman also works as a financial advisor when away from the sodden pitches of the north. In short, the Cape Town-born midfielder isn’t hanging on to earn a living and instead, relishes life at Gorsey Lane having enjoyed a fabulous career.

Although it’s worth pointing out that Furman does still eye promotion with the Blues which ultimately means that he will try and earn another contract for the 2023/2024 season after Rylands’ indifferent start to this current campaign has cost the club the much-needed promotion that going up requires. All things told, it has been a story of a poor defence with the Blues shipping 32 goals in their first 18 games of the season. Whilst it’s not an insurmountable task to right the ship this season, you get the feeling that Rylands will need a miracle over the winter to do so.

Fortunately, they have an experienced man in midfield who is no stranger to defying the odds having learnt the game on the dusty fields of South Africa’s Western Cape, before eventually going on to lead his nation. This journey and the all-important experience gained along the way will prove invaluable to Rylands as they try to win promotion.