Mark Fish Career Biography and Statistics

Bio:
Mark Fish has moved around quite a bit during his soccer career. Even though the scenery may change regularly for Fish, there is one thing that is always consistent: his level of play. Regarded as an excellent central defender who can play both sides of the ball, Fish plays with undeniable style and class. Some criticize that he sometimes appears laid back or that he is not at the level he should be defensively. However, Fish’s talent is unquestionable and he has been praised by teammates and opponents alike.

Fish was born on March 14, 1974 in Cape Town, South Africa. He started his career with the Arcadia Shepherds, an amateur team located in South Africa. He quickly garnered attention and moved on to play professionally for the Jomo Cosmos in 1991. When he arrived at the Cosmos he played striker, but he was converted to central defender. This was an excellent move because Fish developed into a very talented defender.

Fish made 53 appearances with the Cosmos from 1991 to 1993. In 1993 he signed with the Orlando Pirates, also in Africa. He made 110 appearances with the Pirates, playing what some contend was the best soccer of his career. He scored a total of eleven goals and won numerous championships and cups, including the league championship, the 1995 Bobsave Super Bowl, and the 1995 African Champions League.

Fish had now begun to attract international attention and he ended up signing with Lazio of Italy in 1996. He made only 15 appearances with Lazio before moving in 1997 to England and the Bolton Wanderers. He played excellent soccer with the Wanderers, becoming a crucial player for 103 appearances. In 2000 he moved yet again, this time to the Charlton Athletic. He made over 100 appearances with Charlton from 2000 to 2005, scoring three times. After Charlton he played extremely briefly (one appearance) with Ipswich in 2005 before suffering a severe injury and deciding to retire. However, this did not turn out to be the end of “The Big Fish.” He announced that he was returning to soccer in February 2007 and signed a 6-month contract with Jomo, his first team.

Fish also enjoyed an impressive international career, making a total of 62 appearances (caps) for South Africa. His greatest international moment came in 1996 when he helped South Africa win the African Cup of Nations.