Mark Tovey was born in Pretoria on 7th May 1955. He attended Northlands Primary and Northlands Secondary, north of Durban.
His love for football began at an early age. He played junior football for Durban City, representing the club at under 10, 12 and 14 levels. In 1971 Mark Tovey turned professional by signing for Durban United, at the age of 16 years. In 1973, Mark signed for Durban City. He played six seasons for the club, won the league and cup in 1978. In 1980 Mark Tovey moved to Dynamos, spending two seasons with the club.

He returned to Durban City in 1982, winning the NPSL league championship with the club in 1982 and 1983. In 1984 Mark Tovey joined Bush Bucks. He was popularly known by the Bush Bucks fans as “Vula Vala”. In 1985 he won the league championship with Bush Bucks. Two years later he captured a winner’s medal in the JPS Cup. In 1988 Mark Tovey moved to Kaizer Chiefs. It was during this period that Mark Tovey was given the name “Mr Experience” by the Kaizer Chiefs fans.
Mark Tovey also represented South Africa and Natal in football.