Besides being crazy about the beautiful game, Matthew Booth is devoted to his beautiful wife and two small boys.

The GOLD magazine crew caught up with Matthew Boooooooooooth to get a behind the scenes peek into the world of Bafana Bafana's super-tall, super-cool defender. Laduma!

What do you think about being a role model to millions of young men and women?
It’s really a mixture between an honour and a responsibility. Being a role model makes you very aware of what you do and how you behave. I find that there are so few positive role models, so you want to try your best not to disappoint. !

Who are your role models and why?
My father has been one of my most important role models. He had a major influence on my football career and both of my parents were very supportive. On the field Lucas Radebe, has always been an inspiration as a footballer as well as an excellent role model off the field. Andre Arendse is another experienced footballer I consider a role model. There’ve been others as well who have generously shared their experiences and who it has been natural for me to look up to.

What is the biggest challenge you've faced and how did you overcome it?
The biggest challenge I’ve faced in my professional career has been in the boardroom and was around legal contractual disputes. I went through one or two contractual disputes at a young age and it was very character building. I learnt very early on how business people operate and I had to develop perseverance, to get through.

What do you think have been some of the most important lessons you've learned?
I’d have to say that perseverance is one of the main attributes one needs in life. I’ve learned that it’s no good giving up after you hit the first hurdle. You’ve got to get up and keep going.

What do you think it takes to be a survivor/success?
Ok, besides, perseverance as I’ve mentioned before, I think support from family and friends is key. Today, many kids don’t have family support, so friends supporting each other becomes even more important. Unfortunately, jealousy can be a problem.

What makes you get up in the morning?
I have two young boys and they are great to be around. Then I also have to go to training, so it’s a two-pronged attack really.

What advice do you have for aspiring football players and other young people who are dreaming big?
You’ve got to prepare yourself for disappointment and success. Don’t be shy to try as many things as possible before making up your mind about what you want to focus on. I played many sports before I decided football was the game for me.

What do you think it means to be a real man, today?
I recently became an ambassador for the Brothers for Life campaign, which encourages men to positively influence each other as men, partners, parents and as leaders. We need strong role models who not only respect themselves and their bodies by staying away from too much alcohol and not engaging in risky sexual behaviour, but who also respect their partners and their children. In my experience, there are two pillars in a family - the man and the woman - and if there isn’t respect there to make both pillars strong, the house will crumble.

What are the top 3 most important qualities you look for in a friend?
The first one that springs to mind is honesty. Then I really appreciate a sense of humour in people and thirdly I’d have to say, being supportive is something I value in friends.

What has been your proudest moment?
Professionally, there are two: when we qualified for the Olympics in 2000, in Australia - being an Olympian was incredible – and then competing in the most recent Confederations Cup was a also a big highlight. On a personal level, the births of my two sons were amazing.

What has been your most embarrassing moment?
It was probably when I was interviewed by a local newspaper and one of the questions was whether I was single or not and I answered that I was. Then, the next day there were newspaper headline posters along Jan Smuts Avenue in Johannesburg, saying I was looking for a wife! I toyed with the idea of rushing out and trying to buy up all the copies of that newspaper.

What is your favourite book?
Hmm, that’s tricky, there are many, but I really enjoyed Spud by John de Ruit.

What is your favourite film?
Gladiator. I love those historical action films.

Dogs/cats?
Dog definitely. I used to have a wonderful Labrador, Rotweiler cross and would definitely like to get a dog when I settle down.

What is your favourite colour?
Royal blue.
If you could have any special power, what would it be?
Super speed like Flash Gordon.

Singing/Dancing?
Dancing definitely, I have a dreadful voice!

What is something most people don't know about you?
I have an enormous sweet tooth and I like to play golf.

Do you have a message of support for GOLD Peer Educators and their peers who are working to transform their communities?
Yes, I’d just like to say that I am very supportive of the work that you’re doing and that on behalf of myself and the other football players keep it up and never forget the value of being role models.