13 Facts About Mark Fish

Mark Anthony Fish was born on 14 March 1974 and is a retired South African footballer who played as a defender.

Mark Fish was spotted by then Jomo Cosmos coach Roy Matthews and turned professional as a striker.

In 1994 Mark Fish was signed by Orlando Pirates after Cosmos were relegated.

Mark Fish won the league championship at Pirates, as well as the BP Top Eight Cup in 1994, the 1995 1995 African Champions League and the 1995 Bobsave Super Bowl.

Mark Fish captained The Buccaneers when they beat JS Kabylie in the 1996 CAF Super Cup.

Mark Fish was a mainstay in Bolton's back four for much of their first season back in the Premiership, he received praise from both teammates and those whom he played against, most notably Manchester United forward Andrew Cole.

Once playing back in the lower leagues Mark Fish applied himself well, quickly gaining a cult status amongst the Bolton faithful, backed up by his nickname "Feesh", and a particularly eyecatching headgear in the shape of a giant Blue fish being made available in club stores.

However, new suitors soon came calling, and only after the appointment of Sam Allardyce did Mark Fish's star begin to fall in Lancashire.

Mark Fish returned to football when he signed a six-month contract with his first club Jomo Cosmos in early 2007 but did not play an official game due to his low level of fitness.

Internationally, Mark Fish is best remembered as being a crucial part of South Africa's victorious national soccer squad when they won the 1996 African Cup of Nations.

Mark Fish scored one of the goals in the quarter final against Algeria.

Mark Fish was named to the Team of the Tournament in both the 1996 and 1998 African Cup of Nations.

Mark Fish made his international debut in a friendly game against Mexico on 6 October 1993 and received his last cap in a World Cup qualifier against Ghana on 20 June 2004.