Jordan reveals long battle with cancer

Former South African international Keryn Jordan, star striker for NZFC league leaders Auckland City and a former winner of the league's golden boot award, came on for the last 20 minutes for City against Canterbury United in a 4-1 win marking the end of what he admits has been the toughest time of his life.

Jordan has never before made public his three-year battle with cancer, which culminated in his hospitalisation last December for a third operation to remove melanoma-infected nodes.

He was worried those health concerns would count against his application to upgrade his work permit to permanent New Zealand residency, but he has now been given the all-clear by doctors and is desperate to make a permanent home here.

"It's quite a shock when it does happen to you, and I felt a bit sensitive about it all before but now I have come to terms with the whole thing and I feel as though I have overcome it and am moving forward," Jordan told the Sunday Star-Times.

"We are looking forward to continuing to make a positive impact in New Zealand, both on a playing and coaching level. I am just loving life at the moment.

"Obviously [my illness] has impacted on the process," he said. "[Immigration] have been great in supporting us through this, but this can have implications. But I just feel that what we have already contributed, in terms of improving the profile of the NZFC, going to Japan and playing on the world stage [with Auckland City in the world club challenge] and working with youngsters, I feel as though I have given something back to the game in New Zealand.

"I want to continue to work with young players and hopefully create a few up-and-coming stars."

Jordan has no desire to return to South Africa.

"The family loves it, I love it. I have enjoyed my time here, and I would hate to have to leave based on something that has been out of my control. I can't really control [what illnesses] the body will get.

"They [immigration] have they own systems ... they need to go through, but as I say it is about weighing up my contribution thus far and my contribution going forward against potential medical costs."

Jordan said he had remained upbeat because of the support of his wife, and the friendship he forged with a teenaged Auckland soccer player, Isaac Fitzgerald, who was being treated for a tumour at the same time.

He has also been supported by his club, with Auckland City fans even buying him a juicer so he could make the vegetable juices he has been taking to aid his recovery.

"It has been tough. You ask yourself all sorts of questions, it tests your faith, but that has always been strong, and we have always kept it positive.

"I never let it get me down but there are times when you wonder what the future holds. That's when having good people around you is important.

"There was a time when I was going into surgery and I sat down at training and explained the whole thing to them I felt it was only fair to let them know what was going on and I can tell you the whole club from the supporters up has been absolutely fantastic.

"Colin [Tuaa, coach] has been really supportive, Ivan Vuksich [chairman] has been immense. The club has really stood behind me and my family and I want to give a huge commendation to everyone at Auckland City FC. I just want to say thanks for everything."

Jordan says he is now ready to resume his playing career: "I am looking forward to getting back into it."