Imran Garda Biography

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Imran is a true Johannesburg boy; he was born in Kagiso and raised in Azaadville. He attended Azaadville Primary School and he completed his schooling at Crawford College Benmore, with 4 distinctions

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Imran's passion for sport started at an early age, with two brothers who played tennis for Southern Transvaal junior teams and his father, Morris, a former Nottinghamshire and Transvaal Sacboc cricketer and later a selector for the national cricket team. At the age of 10, his talent and love for tennis led Imran to a tennis academy in Florida , USA to sharpen his skills.

 

Imran also developed an interest in cricket and soccer. At 13, he was selected for the Transvaal development cricket team and, at 14, he was chosen for the under-15 team, which was captained by the current Protea's captain Graeme Smith.

 

After school Imran enrolled at Wits University to do a BA in Dramatic Arts. While at Wits he performed in over 20 university productions, including "Venus", which focused on the life of the Hottentot Venus, Sarah Baartman. And in 2001, Imran toured the Czech Republic with the "Venus" production.

 

In 2002 Imran began working as a Sports Presenter/Anchor for M-Net Supersport. To date Imran's highlights include hosting the Cricket World Cup, English Premiership and Spanish football, African Champions League Soccer, IAAF Grand Prix and Golden League, as well as conducting profile interviews.

 

In 2004 Imran became a specialist cricket anchor and reporter for Supersport. Imran has also worked part-time as a talk-show and book review host for Channel Islam International (Radio).

 

Imran has been involved with charitable work for many years. In the early 1990's he was actively involved with The Nishtara Lodge and SANCA's anti-drug and alcohol abuse promotions and fundraisers. Imran mentored for "the Soze Project" a cultural exchange and theatre initiative with South African and American children. He has also worked as a volunteer for the international charity, Islamic-Relief, and undertook an 11-day fundraising tour with the organisation throughout the Bosnia Federation and Republika Srpska.

 

Imran is passionate about all forms of charitable work and believes that "those who don't share their time and valuables with the less-fortunate will never find contentment in life" . He also loves his sport and the idea that he gets paid to watch Premiership Soccer! But his biggest dream is to finish his Islamic theological studies.

 

When asked why he chose to be an ambassador for Cotlands, Imran says; "Often one comes across charitable institutions that have sincere intentions, but have an un-organised approach, working without much structure or direction. The flip-side is that some institutions are magnificent at marketing and have a silky smooth approach. But they have very little soul and don't have a true humanitarian ethic. I am glad to say that Cotlands embodies both these qualities. Cotlands are also deeply dedicated to alleviating the suffering of South Africa's youth, with a professional and organised approach. I would love to do as much as I can to help raise awareness for Cotlands and to learn from their tireless staff about what it takes to make a difference in this world. Keep up the phenomenal work Cotlands!"

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