Marketplace.
Zaire 74

Zaire 74

No ratings yet

£13.09

£13.09/each

Sold and sent by Speedyhen

Delivered by post or courier

Delivery

  • FREE standard courier delivery by Wed 30 Jul

Returns

Returns available within 30 days. A fee may apply.

Zaire 74
Zaire 74

No ratings yet

£13.09

£13.09/each

Description

The first Black African team to appear in a World Cup suffered casual racism and horrific stereotyping in the western media, were accused of throwing games by opponents, were conned out of bonuses by their own countrymen and ended with one of the worst records in the tournament''s history -- conceding 14 goals in three games while scoring none in reply. Nevertheless, the Zaire team of 1974 lives long in the memory and not just because of that free-kick. Financially backed by President Mobutu, the Leopards had won two African championships and strolled through World Cup qualifying under the management of Blagoje Vidinić, a Yugoslav who managed to unite the disparate tribes of a country the size of Western Europe. Yet the campaign was dogged by controversy. Following a creditable performance against Scotland, the Zaire players learned that their much-trumpeted bonuses had been syphoned off by members of the World Cup delegation and threatened to strike. Only the threat of violence against their families forced them on to the pitch for the second game, which they proceeded to lose 9-0 to Yugoslavia. They were then threatened with summary execution if they lost by more than three goals in their final game against Brazil! Players were banned from leaving the country upon their return and the more militant were never selected for Zaire again. Mobutu then diverted the proceeds of his ''soccer tax'' to fund the Rumble in the Jungle, considering boxing a far safer bet than football. Neil Andrews traces the fortunes of one of the most colourful finalists to grace the World Cup who blazed a trail for the likes of Cameroon, Senegal and Ghana at high personal cost for many of the team.
Sold by Speedyhen (Speedy Hen LTD)

AuthorNeil Andrews
FormatPaperback
ISBN-139781909360976
Item Height1.6
Item Length13.7
Item Width21.6
PublisherGazelle Book Services

Delivery
  • FREE standard courier delivery by Wed 30 Jul
Returns

Not happy with a Marketplace item? You can request a return and refund online up to 30 days after the delivery date. You'll need to return the item to the Marketplace seller.Our returns policy

View all Sport

About Marketplace

We're giving you more choice than ever before. Shop more products from more brands across homewares, beauty, electricals and much more.

Sold and sent by trusted sellers right to your door.

No reviews yet

Help other customers like you

Reviews are submitted by our customers directly through our website. We also share reviews from other retailers' websites to help you make an informed decision.
Write a review