The Luke Alfred Show: Recent Episodes
Luke Alfred
Welcome to The Luke Alfred Show, I have 30 years of experience on the front lines of sports journalism, covering some of the biggest games in cricket, rugby, the Fifa World Cup, and even the Olympic Games. Come and join me, as we learn about the greatest sports stories you’ve never heard.
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Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Send us a text
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Send us a text
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Send us a text
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Send us a text
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Send us a text
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Send us a text
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Send us a text
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Send us a text
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Send us a text
Marketing Specialist Position: https://shorturl.at/CCFoR
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Send us a text
Marketing Specialist Position: https://shorturl.at/CCFoR
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Send us a text
Marketing Specialist Position: https://shorturl.at/CCFoR
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Send us a text
Marketing Specialist Position: https://shorturl.at/CCFoR
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Send us a text
Marketing Specialist Position: https://shorturl.at/CCFoR
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Send us a text
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Send us a text
The 1970 World Cup: A Journey Through the Heat and History
As the 1970 World Cup kicked off in Mexico, many feared that the blistering heat would drain the energy out of the tournament. Noon kick-offs were scheduled to accommodate European viewers, but under the Mexican sun, concerns loomed large. Early matches seemed to confirm the worst, with a dreary 0-0 draw between Mexico and the USSR in front of 107,000 passionate fans setting a somber tone. However, as the tournament unfolded, it would become a World Cup remembered not for the heat, but for its sizzling football.
The Introduction of Red and Yellow Cards: A New Era for Fair Play
The 1970 World Cup also marked the debut of red and yellow cards, an innovation that added structure and discipline to the game. After the notoriously rough 1966 World Cup, where refereeing was criticized for allowing overly physical play, the introduction of these cards offered a new form of protection for players. The result? A cleaner, more attacking style of football. Remarkably, no players were sent off during the entire tournament, suggesting the cards had an immediate impact on the sport.
Brazil’s Quest for Glory: The Rise of a Football Dynasty
Brazil’s journey through the 1970 World Cup was nothing short of spectacular. Scoring 19 goals in six matches, their attacking prowess was unmatched. Pelé, who had been so disillusioned by rough play in the 1966 World Cup that he briefly retired from international football, returned with a vengeance. His moments of brilliance, including his iconic non-goal against Uruguay, where he dummied the goalkeeper but narrowly missed, became the stuff of legend.
Brazil’s final victory, a 4-1 dismantling of Italy, cemented their place in history as one of the greatest teams ever. Pelé's header opened the scoring, and late goals from Gérson, Jairzinho, and Carlos Alberto’s thunderous strike put the finishing touches on a masterful campaign.
The Semifinal Thriller: Italy vs. West Germany
While Brazil was dominant, the best match of the tournament was arguably the semifinal between Italy and West Germany. It was a game for the ages, featuring dramatic goals, a dislocated shoulder for Franz Beckenbauer, and five goals in extra time. Italy eventually triumphed 4-3, but the match, dubbed the "Game of the Century," remains etched in the annals of World Cup history.
The Legacy of 1970: The World Cup that Defied Expectations
The 1970 World Cup was a tournament that defied the predictions of doom and gloom. Far from being stifled by the heat, the competition came alive with thrilling football, memorable moments, and unforgettable performances. From the introduction of red and yellow cards to Brazil’s rise as a footballing superpower, Mexico 1970 left an indelible mark on the sport. As we look back, we remember not just the heat of the Mexican sun but the fire and passion of the players who lit up the world stage.
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
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The 1984 Wallabies: A Historic Grand Slam
In 1984, the Australian Wallabies embarked on an 18-match tour of Great Britain, a journey that would etch their names in rugby history. Under the leadership of captain Andrew Slack and coach Alan Jones, the Wallabies faced formidable opponents, losing to Cardiff, Llanelli, Ulster, and South of Scotland. However, their victories against the Home Unions were legendary, making them the first Australian team to achieve the Grand Slam.
The Road to Victory: Dominating the Home Unions
The Wallabies' triumphs were characterized by their defensive prowess, conceding only one try in the internationals. They defeated England by 16 points, Ireland by seven, and Wales by 19, showcasing their offensive strength with four tries. The final victory against Scotland was a resounding 37-12, highlighting the team's dominance.
David Campese: The Rise of a Rugby Legend
Central to this narrative is David Campese, a 19-year-old winger of Italian descent. His meteoric rise began in the local Queanbeyan side, the Whites, and quickly led to his international debut. Campese's playing style, marked by the "Campese Goosestep" or "Struggletown Shuffle," set him apart. His background in Queanbeyan, a town known for its immigrant population and resilience, shaped his unique approach to the game.
South African Rugby: A Parallel of Transformation
Much like Campese and the Ellas' impact on Australian rugby, South African rugby has undergone significant transformation. Players like Sacha Feinberg-Mngomezulu, with diverse backgrounds and exceptional talent, are reshaping the sport. Feinberg-Mngomezulu's journey, influenced by his grandfather's legacy as an anti-apartheid activist, mirrors the broader changes within South African rugby.
The Evolution of the Springboks
Under coaches like Rassie Erasmus and Jacques Nienaber, the Springboks have embraced diversity and talent from all walks of life. This inclusive approach has led to remarkable successes, including back-to-back World Cup wins. The integration of players from various backgrounds and the celebration of their unique skills have strengthened the team.
From Struggle to Triumph
The stories of the Wallabies and the Springboks highlight the essence of struggle and triumph in sports. These narratives remind us that behind every victory lies a journey filled with challenges, resilience, and transformation. As the world of rugby continues to evolve, it celebrates not only the athletic prowess but also the diverse and rich histories that each player brings to the field.
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Send us a Text Message.
The Essence of Sitting Around
Sitting around is a fundamental human activity. Before we could walk, we sat. This quiet, contemplative act is foundational, and in the context of the Olympics, it becomes a stage for profound human drama.
The Origins of the Olympics: A Story of Tortoises and Hares
The concept of the Olympics might well have sprung from watching a tortoise and a hare on the veld. This whimsical idea evolved into a grand event where athletes compete, while the rest of us watch, sometimes in person but often from home.
The Waiting Area: A Space of Tension and Reflection
The waiting area for swimmers is a stark contrast to the dynamism of the pool. It’s a place of stillness and reflection, where athletes like Tatjana Schoenmaker, South Africa’s breaststroke star, prepare mentally and emotionally for their races.
Tatjana Schoenmaker: A Journey of Sacrifice and Solitude
Tatjana’s journey is marked by early mornings, solitary training, and significant sacrifices. Her dedication is mirrored by her family’s support, who even skipped vacations to fund her lessons. This sacrifice paid off with gold and silver medals in Tokyo 2020, breaking a 21-year drought for South African women in Olympic swimming.
The Power of Community: Tatjana’s T-Shirt Tribute
Tatjana’s T-shirt, emblazoned with "Because of you, for you," lists those who supported her journey. It’s a powerful reminder that, despite the loneliness of the sport, she is far from alone. Her community, faith, and family are integral to her success.
The Dark Side of the Olympics: Doping Scandals
The Olympics has a hidden underbelly filled with doping scandals. The political and financial pressures can sometimes overshadow the integrity of the games, as seen in the case of Marion Jones and the criticisms of WADA’s effectiveness.
Moments of Brilliance: Highlights from Paris 2024
Despite these challenges, the Paris Games showcased incredible performances. Canadian hammer-thrower Ethan Katzberg’s technique and Dutch hurdler Femke Bol’s astonishing relay finish were standout moments, alongside Tatjana’s inspirational journey.
Conclusion: The Weight of Waiting and the Power of Dreams
In the end, the waiting area symbolises the weight of anticipation and the power of dreams. Athletes like Tatjana show us that, though they may seem alone in those moments, they carry the hopes and support of many, making their victories shared triumphs.
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Marathon Mishaps: Stockholm 1912
The Stockholm 1912 Olympics provided some of the most bizarre and tragicomical moments in Olympic history, particularly in the marathon event. Two marathoners, Shizo Kanakuri from Japan and Francisco Lázaro from Portugal, had extraordinary and ultimately heartbreaking journeys.
Shizo Kanakuri's Marathon Misadventure
Shizo Kanakuri, a Japanese athlete, had to pay his own way to the Games, enduring a long, arduous journey on the Trans-Siberian Express. His experience was further marred by an unpalatable foreign diet and a bedridden coach suffering from tuberculosis. Despite these challenges, Kanakuri set out to compete on a sweltering Swedish summer's day.
Francisco Lázaro's Tragic End
Francisco Lázaro, a fit and hopeful Portuguese carpenter, faced a tragic end. On the same grueling day, he collapsed during the race and died the following day, possibly due to heat exhaustion or an electrolyte imbalance. His death underscored the harsh conditions and lack of proper medical understanding at the time.
The Gentleman’s Agreement Gone Awry
South African marathoners Christian Gitsham and Ken McArthur, running together in the Stockholm marathon, had a gentleman's agreement to stop for water simultaneously. However, McArthur broke the agreement, leaving Gitsham behind and securing the gold medal while Gitsham took silver.
Johnny Hayes’ Unique Celebration
At the 1908 London Olympics, American marathoner Johnny Hayes won gold after Italian runner Dorando Pietri was disqualified for receiving assistance. Hayes celebrated his victory in an unusual way – he was carried around the stadium on a table by his teammates, avoiding the traditional medal bite.
The Plunge and Rope Climbing
Early Olympic events included bizarre competitions like the plunge, where athletes dived into a pool and saw how far they could travel without moving their limbs. Rope climbing was another unusual event where competitors shimmied up a rope as quickly as possible. Both events lacked spectator appeal and were eventually discontinued.
Cultural and Artistic Competitions
Between 1912 and 1948, the Olympics awarded medals for artistic achievements in town planning, sculpture, architecture, music, painting, and literature. Notably, Baron de Coubertin, the founder of the modern Olympics, won a gold medal for his poem "Ode to Sport."
Oscar Swahn: The Oldest Olympian
Swedish shooter Oscar Swahn participated in three consecutive Olympics from 1908 to 1920, winning multiple medals. At 72, he became the oldest medalist in Olympic history, a record that still stands.
The First Photo Finish: Los Angeles 1932
The 1932 Los Angeles Olympics introduced photo finishes, leading to the first recorded instance of film deciding a race outcome. American sprinters Eddie Tolan and Ralph Metcalfe finished neck-and-neck in the 100-meter final. Despite identical times, Tolan was awarded gold based on the film analysis, a decision Metcalfe disputed for the rest of his life.
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Early Triumphs and Heroism
When Abebe Bikila returned to Ethiopia after winning the men's marathon at the 1960 Rome Olympics, he was celebrated as a hero. Not only did Bikila break the world record, but he also became a symbol of the new African dawn. His victory captured the imagination of people across Africa and the world, marking a departure from the era when only politicians were seen as pan-African heroes.
A Unique Legacy
Bikila, a shepherd from northern Ethiopia, shattered expectations by becoming a world-renowned athlete. In the 1950s and early 1960s, Africa lacked cultural, musical, or sporting heroes of Bikila's stature. His success was a significant milestone, as he was unknown not just as an athlete, but also as an Ethiopian and an African on the global stage.
The Rome Marathon
In the 1960 Rome Olympics, Bikila ran barefoot, a decision born out of necessity and practicality. Initially, the Ethiopian athletes trained in shoes to avoid the embarrassment of appearing too poor to afford them. However, shoes caused blisters, prompting Bikila to revert to running barefoot. His victory, particularly on the cobbled streets of Rome, was a testament to his resilience and unique preparation.
Historic Victory in Tokyo
Bikila's heroism was solidified four years later at the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, where he defended his gold medal and broke the world marathon record once again. Despite undergoing an appendectomy just weeks before the games, Bikila's determination saw him run in Puma shoes this time, marking another historic victory.
Celebrations and Honors
Upon his return to Ethiopia after the Tokyo Olympics, Bikila was honored with parades and gifts, including a Volkswagen Beetle and a house. His achievements elevated him to a status of national and continental pride, symbolizing Africa's arrival on the world stage of distance running.
Nurturing Talent
Bikila's journey was significantly influenced by Onni Niskanen, a Swedish coach who recognized his potential in 1956. Niskanen, who arrived in Ethiopia post-World War II, was instrumental in training Ethiopian athletes and preparing them for international competitions. Their close relationship was pivotal in Bikila's rise to fame.
The 1976 Montreal Olympics Boycott
The 1976 Montreal Olympics were marked by a significant boycott led by African nations in protest against New Zealand's rugby tour of apartheid South Africa. This boycott had far-reaching consequences, preventing many African athletes, including Tanzania's Filbert Bayi and Uganda's John Akii-Bua, from competing.
Filbert Bayi's Missed Opportunity
Filbert Bayi, who had set a world record in the 1500 meters at the 1974 Commonwealth Games, was among those affected by the boycott. His anticipated rematch with New Zealand's John Walker at the Montreal Olympics never happened, depriving the world of what could have been another historic race.
Zimbabwe Women's Hockey Triumph
Amid the boycott, the Zimbabwe women's hockey team seized a unique opportunity at the 1980 Moscow Olympics. With many top teams absent, Zimbabwe's amateur players, who had only recently gained independence, won the gold medal. Their unexpected victory remains a remarkable story of seizing the moment and making history
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Early Days in Racing
Craig Peters, the iconic voice of South African horse racing, began his illustrious commentary career at just 17 years old. His debut took place in the mid-1970s at Gosforth Park, Germiston, a racetrack that has since faded into history. Young Peters was filled with anxiety, fearing mistakes and misidentifications. To hone his skills, he spent months practicing by himself, recording race commentaries at various tracks like Vaal and Turffontein.
Learning the Ropes
Peters' training involved intense scrutiny from seasoned commentators who provided feedback and praise. This apprenticeship, lasting between three to six months, prepared him for his first real race call. By the time he left Mayfair High and Western High, Peters was deeply immersed in the world of horse racing, often attending races with his father.
First Race Call
Peters recalls his debut race fondly. "Big Swinger won by eight lengths," he says, describing it as a soft landing into the world of race commentary. This initial success paved the way for a career that would see him become the voice of the Durban July and a fixture in South African horse racing.
Preparation and Routine
Ahead of his 38th Durban July, Peters emphasizes the importance of preparation. He avoids late nights to ensure sharpness and arrives at Greyville early to get into the rhythm of the day. Peters, sometimes accompanied by his son Sheldon, commentates on all 12 races, whether for SuperSport or the Greyville public address system.
The Art of Commentary
Knowing the owners' colors and differentiating horses by their jockeys' helmets are crucial skills. Peters' booth, with its red "do not disturb" light, becomes his sanctuary on race days. He relies on his vast experience and meticulous preparation to deliver flawless commentary. His first Durban July in 1984, won by Devon Air, marked the beginning of his long association with the race, cementing his status as a national treasure.
Technological Evolution
The 1984 Durban July was also the first to be televised, simplifying commentary duties for Peters. Watching the race on a monitor allowed him to seamlessly cover the previously challenging 200-meter section obscured by the Drill Hall. This innovation marked a turning point in his career.
Memorable Races
Among the many races he has called, Peters highlights the 2008 Durban July as particularly thrilling. Dancer’s Daughter and Pocket Power's neck-and-neck finish, resulting in a rare dead heat, exemplified the excitement and unpredictability of horse racing. Peters' commitment to accuracy and his refusal to prematurely call winners have earned him the nickname "Eagle Eye."
Legacy and Reflection
Peters' passion for horse racing remains undiminished after approximately 25,000 race calls. He continues to adapt, learning isiZulu to keep up with the evolving landscape of South African racing. His dedication and love for the sport make him an irreplaceable part of horse racing history, a cultural historian whose commentary brings races to life and preserves memories for generations to come.
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Not Meant to Be There
The 1992 Euros weren't the extravagant affairs they are today. Yugoslavia's disqualification due to war threw the tournament into disarray, with Denmark getting a last-minute call-up. Even their best player, Laudrup, skipped the Euros due to disagreements with the coach.
Small is Beautiful
Sweden hosted the Euros with a modest approach, nicknamed "Small is Beautiful." The mascot was a rabbit named Rabbit! Denmark started slow, drawing with England and losing to Sweden. But team bonding over mini-golf on the eve of their final group match sparked a turnaround.
Underdogs Triumph
Denmark, now playing aggressively, defeated France and emerged top of their group. They faced the mighty Netherlands in the semi-finals. The game went to penalties, and Denmark's hero, goalkeeper Schmeichel, saved a crucial kick.
Victory Over Germany
The final against Germany was a historic David vs Goliath clash. Denmark, playing with grit and determination, scored twice and held on for a stunning 2-0 victory. Coach Vogts' atrocious purple tracksuit became a bizarre memory of the match.
A Moment in Time
Denmark's win was a national celebration, a sweet victory against arch-rivals Germany. It's unlikely to be repeated in today's Euros, dominated by a few powerful nations with superior resources.
Football Then and Now
The 1992 Euros saw more speculative shooting and less emphasis on possession. Today's game is faster, more technical, and arguably more predictable. While Denmark's win is a reminder that underdogs can prevail, the current landscape of European football makes such fairytales rarer.
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
The Redemption Games: Ryk Neethling and the Athens Olympics 4x100m Relay
This episode dives into the captivating story of Ryk Neethling and the South African 4x100m freestyle relay team at the 2004 Athens Olympics. It's a tale of redemption, teamwork, and overcoming adversity.
Bruised by Sydney
The 2000 Sydney Olympics were a disaster for Neethling. Ranked in the top three globally for several events, he left empty-handed. The weight of expectation, coupled with the dominance of the Australian team, crushed his spirit. He retreated from competitive swimming for nearly two years.
Finding Solace in Water
Back in South Africa, Neethling rediscovered his love for swimming. Coaching youngsters and participating in Masters classes reignited his passion. He realized swimming wasn't just about competition; it was his refuge.
A Second Chance
In 2001, Neethling decided to give competitive swimming another go. He transformed himself from a distance swimmer to a powerful sprinter. However, his journey wasn't smooth. He struggled with self-doubt and strained relationships.
Building a Brotherhood
Enter Roland Schoeman and Lyndon Ferns. Together, under the guidance of coaches Rick DeMont and Frank Busch at the University of Arizona, they formed a formidable team. DeMont, a former Olympic champion who lost his medal due to a doping controversy, instilled a sense of purpose and camaraderie.
Barcelona Blues and a Turning Point
A disappointing eighth-place finish at the 2003 World Championships in Barcelona was a wake-up call. Busch and DeMont challenged the team to invest in each other and dream big. They envisioned an Olympic medal.
The Quest for the Fourth
The team lacked a strong fourth member. After trials and tribulations, Darian Townsend emerged, completing the puzzle.
Olympic Antics and American Anomalies
The Athens Games weren't without drama. Issues with sponsorships and DeMont's accreditation caused friction. On a lighter note, DeMont used a hilarious anecdote about kudu bulls to motivate the team before the final.
Hall's Absence, Ferns' Fury
The biggest surprise was the American team's line-up. Trash-talking Gary Hall Jr. was surprisingly benched. Ferns, fueled by Hall's pre-race taunts, swam the race of his life.
From Soutie to Hero
Townsend, the "soutie" amidst the Afrikaans-speaking "boertjies," silenced doubters with a stellar performance.
A Race for the Ages
Neethling, anchoring the team, took the lead and held on for dear life in a nail-biting finish. South Africa not only won gold but also smashed the Olympic record set by Australia in Sydney.
National Euphoria
Back home, the victory sparked national jubilation. Neethling's family erupted in celebration, and impromptu dance parties broke out across South Africa.
Redemption Complete
The Athens triumph marked Neethling's personal and collective redemption. It proved that with belief, hard work, and a dash of luck, even the most bruised egos can rise to Olympic glory.
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
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**A Foul-Mouthed Parrot and The British Lions 1974 Tour of South Africa.
In this episode, we delve into the fascinating and often brutal story of the 1974 British Lions tour of South Africa. Buckle up for tales of:**
- A swearing parrot named Piet who heckled the Lions at their hotel breakfast. (Listen for this amusing anecdote at the beginning of the episode)
- The "Boks" (South African national team) being outmuscled in the scrums by the well-drilled Lions.
- Lions coach Willie John McBride's leadership and his strategy of instilling a "violent insistence on scrummaging."
- The infamous "99" call - a tactic employed by the Lions to deal with "opposition thuggery." (We'll discuss the ethics of this controversial strategy later in the episode)
- The Test series that wasn't televised in the home nation due to South Africa only getting TV two years later.
- The changing fortunes of the Springboks as they went from confident to utterly defeated. This was the lowest point in the history of the Springboks.
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
A Charismatic Leader Transforms Borussia Dortmund and Liverpool
I dive into the remarkable career of Jürgen Klopp, a manager who wasn't just a superb tactician, but never lost sight of the human touch.
From Humble Beginnings to the Brink of Ruin
We start with Borussia Dortmund, a club on the verge of financial collapse. Before Klopp's arrival, the team endured a string of uninspiring managers and disappointing results.
Enter Klopp, the "Normal One"
Despite limited success at Mainz 05, Klopp's potential was recognised by Dortmund's leadership. His infectious enthusiasm and "heavy metal" football, built on relentless pressing, were a perfect fit for the struggling club.
Building a Contender
Klopp instilled a never-say-die attitude in his players. He rebuilt Dortmund's reputation, transforming them into Bundesliga champions and Champions League finalists.
Klopp the Savior
At Liverpool, Klopp inherited a team lacking direction. He replicated his success story, forging a relentless unit that defied expectations.
Unrivaled Happiness
Klopp's reign at Liverpool culminated in a Champions League victory and a dominant Premier League title win. The camaraderie he fostered within the team played a key role in this period of sustained success.
The Klopp Blueprint
We explore Klopp's core principles, like the mandatory post-defeat socializing, that fostered team spirit and relentless effort.
The Human Cost of Success
The relentless pursuit of victory takes its toll. We see glimpses of Klopp's weariness under the constant media scrutiny.
A Well-Deserved Break
As Klopp prepares for his final game with Liverpool, the podcast acknowledges his need for a well-deserved rest. His legacy extends far beyond trophies, as he leaves behind a blueprint for success built on passion, hard work, and a belief in the beautiful game.
Donate to The Luke Alfred Show on Patreon.
Get my book: Vuvuzela Dawn: 25 Sporting Stories that Shaped a New Nation.
Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
Check out The Luke Alfred Show on YouTube and Facebook.
Exploring the Unconventional: From Marrow-Tossing to Nail-Bending.
In the vast landscape of sports journalism, there's often a gravitational pull towards the grandeur of major events and superstar athletes. Yet, there's a hidden world waiting to be discovered in the sidelines, in the quirky, the obscure, and the borderline absurd sports that defy conventional classification.
Join me on a journey beyond the mainstream as we venture into the realms of nominal sports and pastimes that blur the lines between sport and spectacle. From the eccentricity of marrow-tossing to the peculiar thrill of gouda-rolling derbies in the Netherlands, we'll uncover the charm and idiosyncrasies of these unconventional pursuits.
But beyond the surface amusement lies the heart of these stories, where we encounter individuals like John McGrath, a modern-day strongman with a story as compelling as any Olympic champion. Born and raised in rural Ireland, McGrath's path to strength and recognition was paved with challenges and determination.
Through vivid storytelling, we delve into McGrath's upbringing in the hills above Waterford, where resilience was forged through adversity and hard work. From harvesting onions to rowing on the Blackwater, McGrath's journey is a testament to the human spirit's capacity for growth and transformation.
As we follow McGrath's evolution from rower to strongman, we're introduced to the legacy of vaudeville legends like Joseph Greenstein, the "Mighty Atom," whose feats of strength captivated audiences in a bygone era. Through their tales, we glimpse the changing landscape of entertainment and the enduring appeal of extraordinary physical feats.
The climax of our narrative unfolds on a stage in Newark, where McGrath, following in the footsteps of his idols, attempts a record-breaking feat of nail-bending. With each bend, he embodies the spirit of perseverance and dedication that defines the essence of sport, transcending the boundaries of tradition and expectation.
In the end, what emerges is not just a story of athletic prowess, but a celebration of human ingenuity and the indomitable will to push beyond perceived limits. So join me as we celebrate the unconventional, the extraordinary, and the enduring spirit of those who dare to redefine what it means to be a champion, both on and off the field.
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Breaking Barriers: Roger Bannister and the Four-Minute Mile
Step back in time to May 6, 1954, when history was made on the Iffley Road track in Oxford. Join me as I delve into the captivating story of Roger Bannister's legendary assault on the four-minute mile barrier, a feat that captured the world's imagination and forever changed the landscape of athletics.
I transport you to post-World War II Britain, a time of austerity and limited resources. Against this backdrop, I explore the societal and athletic challenges facing Roger Bannister as he embarked on his quest to break the elusive four-minute mile barrier.
Discover Roger Bannister's journey from a junior houseman at St Mary's hospital to a pioneering athlete determined to push the boundaries of human achievement. Learn how Bannister's discovery of his own running talent and his relentless pursuit of excellence led him to the brink of sporting history.
As the momentous day approached, I delve into Bannister's inner turmoil and the external pressures weighing on him. Explore the pivotal role of weather conditions, personal doubt, and the specter of failure as Bannister grappled with the decision to attempt the four-minute mile.
Relive the electrifying atmosphere of the Iffley Road track as Roger Bannister, flanked by fellow athletes Chris Chattaway and Chris Brasher, embarked on his historic assault on the four-minute mile. Experience the tension, the excitement, and the sheer determination that propelled Bannister towards sporting immortality.
Explore the far-reaching impact of Bannister's achievement, from his diplomatic goodwill tour of America to his enduring legacy in the annals of athletics. Reflect on the universal lessons of perseverance, courage, and the relentless pursuit of greatness embodied by Roger Bannister's remarkable journey.
Join me as I celebrate the indomitable spirit of Roger Bannister and the timeless pursuit of breaking barriers, both on and off the track.
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United Rugby Championship: Season 3 - The Drama Heats Up!
Forget Netflix, this is real-life drama unfolding! The United Rugby Championship's final stretch is packed with nail-biting contests as South African teams fight for a place in the playoffs.
The Fallen Champions: The Stormers, victors of Season 1, haven't quite repeated their dominance. They're a powerful team at home, racking up points and tries at Loftus Versfeld. However, their away record is patchy, with losses to Edinburgh and Leinster
The Resurgent Lions: These underdogs are the surprise of the season. Despite a shaky start with narrow defeats, they've found their rhythm, becoming the current "bonus-point kings." Their next four matches are all at home, a huge advantage.
The Stormers' Struggle: They started strong but have become frustratingly inconsistent. Their high-risk, high-reward style can backfire, leading to losses and a dip in confidence. Key injuries haven't helped either. Coach John Dobson faces a tough decision: stick to his attacking philosophy or prioritize pragmatism?
The Race for the Top Spots: With just four rounds left, a whopping 11 teams are fighting for only eight playoff spots! The top four secure home advantage, making the battle even fiercer.
More than Just Rugby: The URC season unfolds against a backdrop of significant changes in South African rugby's financial landscape. Private equity is a major player now, with SA Rugby's deal with the Ackerley Investment Group nearing completion.
Looking Beyond the URC: The future of domestic competitions like the SA Cup and Currie Cup remains uncertain. Lopsided results and player availability issues cast shadows on their relevance.
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In this episode, I take us on a trip down memory lane, exploring my life as a South African boy, with a love for cricket, during the 1970s and early 1980s.
We delve into the joy of playing barefoot on the Wanderers outfield, the thrill of watching heroes like Graeme Pollock and Kevin McKenzie in action, and the camaraderie of lunchtime games on the Wanderers outfield.
I'll tell you about Ajax Amsterdam, and their iconic thick red stripe and exotic European allure. It explores the imaginative world created through pencil drawings of their legendary players.
Back in South Africa, the focus returns to Wanderers cricket, with vivid descriptions of favourite cricketers and their nicknames - "Spook" Hanley, "Dassie" Biggs, and "Yogi" Ferreira. We learn about the bowling styles of Vince van der Bijl and Clive Rice, accompanied by the iconic commentary of Charles Fortune.
Fortune's voice is painted as a cultural touchstone, shaping the way a generation of white South Africans perceived and experienced cricket.exclamation His commentary is described as both comforting and ultimately limited, reflecting a world in isolation.
The episode is a bittersweet reflection on nostalgia, acknowledging the lost world of yesteryear while embracing the progress of the present.
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Step back in time with me, Luke Alfred, as we trace the footsteps of relentless women who dared to disrupt the Boston Marathon's status quo.
Discover how Bobbi Gibb and Kathrine Switzer's audacious strides ignited a revolution in women's sports, transforming a mere footrace into a symbol of gender equality. Gibb’s surreptitious dash from the bushes in '66, clad in men's clothing, and Switzer's groundbreaking, yet contentious, run a year later, marked by an infamous altercation with race official Jock Semple, were not mere acts of defiance but pivotal events that reshaped the sporting world.
Witness the emancipation narrative that ensues, echoing the indomitable spirit of Patriots' Day and connecting the marathon's revolutionary past with its egalitarian present.
Beyond the struggles and triumphs of these legendary women, we cast a spotlight on the mysterious JJ McDermott, the marathon's first victor whose life story is as elusive as it is fascinating. Plagued by rumors of racing with tuberculosis, McDermott's legacy is a blend of athletic prowess and enigma, with his death and final resting place remaining topics of speculation.
Join me in celebrating these captivating tales from the Boston Marathon that not only exemplify the unyielding pursuit of equality but also serve as a testament to the human spirit's capacity for endurance and resilience. This is more than just a race; it's a narrative of heroes and history-makers that continue to inspire every runner that takes to the starting line.
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This week we delve into the rich history and legendary moments of the Grand National steeplechase, and the remarkable victory of the horse Foinavon in 1967. From the historical significance of the race to the unexpected twists and turns, join us as we uncover the unforgettable story behind one of horseracing's most iconic moments.
Episode Highlights:
- The Grand National: A Cultural Phenomenon:
- Explore the enduring legacy of the Grand National steeplechase, spanning over centuries and captivating audiences worldwide. From its humble beginnings in 1837 to its evolution into an international spectacle, discover the race's profound impact on British culture and beyond.
- Red Rum: A Tale of Triumph and Resilience:
- We learn about Red Rum, an iconic champion of the Grand National. Despite facing adversities such as health challenges and formidable competitors, Red Rum's legendary victories continue to inspire generations of horseracing enthusiasts.
- The Unlikely Hero — Foinavon's Historic Triumph:
- We unravel the extraordinary underdog story of Foinavon's unexpected victory in the 1967 Grand National. From being dismissed as a no-hoper to seizing a momentous opportunity at the infamous 23rd fence, witness how Foinavon defied the odds and etched his name in horseracing history.
- The Foinavon Fence, A Testament to Triumph:
- Discover the enduring legacy of the Foinavon Fence, commemorating the historic moment of Foinavon's triumph. Explore the significance of naming a previously unnamed fence after the unlikely hero, showcasing the indelible mark left by Foinavon on the Grand National course.
- Reflections on Courage and Determination:
- Reflect on the themes of courage, determination, and perseverance embodied by Foinavon's remarkable victory. Explore the timeless lessons gleaned from his triumph, resonating with individuals facing their own challenges and striving for success against all odds.
Join me as we journey through the annals of horse-racing history and celebrate the enduring spirit of champions like Foinavon, whose triumphs transcend the boundaries of time and inspire us to reach for greatness.
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The 2019/20 Champions League season was a rollercoaster ride marked by unprecedented challenges, overshadowed by the onset of the Covid-19 pandemic. Despite its surreal nature, being played in front of no fans, and swift conclusion, this season left an indelible mark on football history.
Episode Highlights:
- The Pandemic's Grip on Football:
- As Covid-19 gripped the world, the Champions League faced unprecedented disruptions and uncertainties. Matches played behind closed doors and a truncated schedule made it a forgettable season for many.
- Bayern Munich's Dominance:
- Bayern Munich's journey through the 2019/20 Champions League showcased their resilience and tactical prowess. Despite key departures, Bayern strategically reinforced their squad, setting the stage for a triumphant campaign.
- The Rise of Lewandowski and Haaland:
- Robert Lewandowski's prolific goal-scoring and Erling Haaland's emergence captivated fans worldwide. Their impact transcended borders, shaping the narratives of their respective teams' performances.
- The Forgettable Final:
- Bayern Munich's emphatic victory over PSG in the final epitomized their season-long dominance. Kingsley Coman's decisive goal sealed Bayern's triumph in a season marred by uncertainty and challenges.
- Looking Ahead:
- As the 2024 Champions League quarter-finals approach, the legacy of the 2019/20 season looms large. Strikers like Kane, Haaland, and Lewandowski continue to shape their teams' destinies, igniting anticipation for the upcoming matches.
Relive the unforgettable moments and untold stories of the 2019/20 Champions League season by tuning in to The Luke Alfred Show.
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One of the spinoffs of the Springboks winning the Rugby World Cup in 2023, is that club rugby in the country is booming. Quietly, without fuss, and without much wider public or media attention, the numbers are climbing.
They have done so for the last four or five months. And it’s good that they’re doing so now, because we stand poised on the cusp of club rugby season.
South African club rugby has a protean durability at the best of times, this is true. Estimates suggest, for example, that the country possesses 150 000 players at approximately 1500 clubs scattered across the land, making the South African club system second largest in the world behind France.
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Who of us hasn’t driven past a cricket match glimpsed momentarily through a hedge, unable for some good reason to stop? Who of us hasn’t caught a train, the inter-city 9:15 to somewhere, and seen cricket thin-sliced through a speeding carriage window?
Circumstances and countries might differ, but this is the cricket match we cannot, for whatever reason, stop for. It is the match that goes on without us and, because of this, it makes us momentarily sad.
Were we to somehow stop the car we were in, or get out at the next station and find the match, we would soon be sucked into what we were watching. Cricket is, in this sense, magnetic. It draws you hither.
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Gary Neville also objected. He knew that Power wasn’t part of the United starting X1 and told Power so. Power told Neville that he was doing this all for Eric Cantona and Gary was to shut up, which seemed to buy him the time he needed to sneak into the photograph.
Neville surely didn’t buy Power’s explanation, although he might have been confused in
ways he couldn’t quite put a finger on. Power, you see, has a passing resemblance to
Cantona and was wearing Cantona’s famous number 7 shirt. Power might almost have
passed for “King Eric” except that Cantona hadn’t played for United for going on for four years by the time of the Bayern quarter-final.
Perhaps, like Cole, Neville reasoned that this would all become irrelevant because
whomever this Cantona lookalike was, he and his baggy shorts would soon be on his way, walking off the pitch and out of history.
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It emerged on day four that the ball-tampering plan had been hatched by senior players in the dressing room at lunchtime on the third day. Smith lost the captaincy and Warner the vice-captaincy, both banned by the ICC for one Test. In Australia, the shame and anger were widespread. Even the Aussie prime minister, Malcolm Turnbull, felt compelled to comment. The tour ploughed headlong into the ground.
As an afterthought, there was some cricket. Morné Morkel, who had missed the second Test, took five second-innings Australian wickets as they were bowled out for 107, losing the Test by 322 runs, so the Proteas went 2–1 up in the series after consecutive wins in Port Elizabeth and Cape Town.
There was something of the public flogging to all this, particularly when Smith – who, subsequent to his ICC banning, was banned for a year by the Australian Cricket Board – broke down in tears at Sydney airport as he, Warner and Bancroft were sent home. Here was an inarticulate young man, full of everyday frailties, trying to make sense of where it had all gone wrong. Watching Smith’s collapse was not pleasant.
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I don’t think I’m saying anything controversial in admitting that, like a good friend from university, Bafana Bafana and I have lost touch over the last 10 or 12 years.
It hasn’t been an active thing on my part. I haven’t turned my back on Bafana, at least I don’t think I have. Rather, it’s been a passive withdrawal into other things.
Keeping in touch requires effort. When occasionally we did get together, I realised we were running out of things to say. The failure to take a goal when it presented itself did become a conversational sticking point, I’ll admit.
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There was something darkly comic about World Cup winning Springbok James Small, losing his life in a strip joint.
Some of us might have lost other things – our virginity, our wallets, our self-respect, we might even have lost our mates, or our marriage in a strip joint – but Small wasn’t a small gestures kind of guy. He was all in.
And there he was, at The Harem strip club in Bedfordview, a Johannesburg suburb, having his ticker call time on a life he seemed to lose long before he dropped dead.
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In the year between February 2023 and February 2024, for instance, six South African teams either won or reached World Cup finals, reached World Cup or continental semi-finals or hustled out of the group stages of World Cups to make the round of 16.
In order of success, the teams are as follows: the Springboks, who won the Rugby World Cupfinal against arch-foes New Zealand in October, winning the final 12-11 in Paris.
Six months before that our women cricketers reached the final of the T20 World Cup at
Newlands, beating England in the semi-finals before losing to Meg Lanning’s Australia.
Of the semi-finalists, there were three.
The Proteas, after winning seven or their nine matches, including wins over England, New Zealand, Pakistan and Australia, in the round-robin phase of the men’s World Cup in India in October, lost to eventual winners, Australia in the semi-final.
The SA under-19 men, reached the semi-finals of the under-19 World Cup
on home turf, losing a close match against India at Willowmoore Park by two wickets.
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City have been accused by the Premier League of 115 violations of Financial Fair Play regulations dating back 14 years.
In the interests of time and brevity we can’t detail all 115 breaches here, but they can all be collapsed into the idea City have failed to provide the Premier League with information that “gives a true and fair view of their financial position”.
In addition to these allegations, the Premier League have also accused City of not co-operating fully with their investigation, which began in 2018.
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The 1960/61 West Indies tour of Australia was one of the greatest test series ever played.
On the eve of the first Test in Brisbane, Don Bradman, the chairman of the Australian board but really everything cricket in Australia, asked Richie Benaud, the home skipper, if he could have a few words with his side.
Benaud was not one to disagree with a presence as sharp and ubiquitous as “Braddles”, and stood back to watch.
Bradman said that he saw the series against Worrell’s men as an opportunity for the home side – and cricket generally – to distance itself from some of the stodgy stuff played in previous series.
He hoped Benaud and his men, with the coming young stroke-maker, Norm O’Neill in their midst, would lead the way.
This is the story of the first ever tied test in the history of the game, at the Gabba, 1960.
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In a comforting way, Ange Postecoglou is just the boy next-door.
Pep left home early; Wenger is too haughtily academic, even in his relaxed moments.
José’s been defeated by his grumpiness; Thomas Tuchel is fascinating but finally disqualified from boy-next-door status by a vague air of the nerd.
Gareth Southgate is the boy-next-door that sort of wants to be one of the boys, so is confusing. Only Jurgen Klopp cuts the mustard here.
Maybe it will be the boys-next-door that will be wrestling for the league in a couple of month’s time?
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The past, they say, is another country. South Africa in 1970 really was another country, a pre-democratic country lost in the mighty bluster of High Apartheid.
It was so much another country that it was in another century, which makes the 1970 series against Australia look a little like a museum piece today.
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Dean Elgar is a legend of South African cricket, and a regularly underrated opening batsman.
This is the inside story of his rise to the pinnacle of the game, from humble beginnings in rural South Africa.
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There was once a kerfuffle about whether to name a grandstand at Newlands after Kallis.
In their infinite wisdom the Western Province Cricket Association board decided not to, which is a little like failing to name a spacesuit after Neil Armstrong, or an auditorium after Louie.
The cricket-loving public of the Western Cape have long since got used to such japes by the Western Province board. They just shrug their shoulders and walk away.
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Handré Pollard was built for World Cups. By the time he was 21, he’d already starred in
3 Junior World Cups for the Baby Boks. 5 years later, he scored 22 points in the World Cup final, as the Springboks romped to a third World Cup victory.
4 years after that, he wasn’t in the original squad to defend South Africa’s title in France due to calf injury, but joined the team at later in the tournament in dramatic circumstances.
Pollard’s kicking in the final was nothing short of a masterclass, as the Springboks won the World Cup yet again. From ordinary beginnings in small town South Africa, to the biggest stage in rugby, this is the untold story of the best kicker in the world.
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Of 189 riders who started the Tour de France in 1998, only 96 finished the race at the Champs-Élysées. It was dubbed the so-called "Festina Affair", after the disqualified Festina team.
Cycling has a long history of doping, deceit, and flagrant cheating. 1999 marked the beginning of Armstrong's web of lies, bullying, and ruthless control over the Tour de France.
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Once again, the Proteas have bombed out of a World Cup. Not only did South Africa suffer a predictably bitter defeat to Australia, they lost something more – one of the finest ODI cricketers ever, Quinton de Kock.
Although Quinton de Kock has announced his retirement from ODI cricket, you might be surprised to know that he’s only 30. Yes, his 31st birthday is only days away, but he seems to have been around for ever, at least since Lemon Curd yoghurt and Spotify and baseball caps. These, I must emphasise, need to be worn the correct way. There is nothing worse than a middle-class suburbanite wearing his Red Sox cap the wrong way round.
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2023 marks the 20th anniversary of the book that changed sport's analytics forever. This is the story of Moneyball.
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More and more sport nowadays means there’s more and more sport to forget. Here are the stories of three forgotten sportsmen:
- the member of a travelling circus who had a tragically short England cricket career
- the big-game hunter who was recalled to kick for the Springboks
- and the ‘Bok eighthman who charged his bar tab to management. It was the one and only time he wore the green and gold
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While we are all immensely proud of the Springboks and their World Cup final win over the All Blacks in Paris, we should also not jettison our critical faculties completely. There has been much talk, in the media and elsewhere, of what the Boks can teach us. They, the pundits say, can teach us about planning, co-operation, overcoming obstacles and mutual respect.
They can tell us about inclusivity and winning. But can the idea of what the ‘Boks have to teach us be taken too far? This is sport, after all. It is not life, which is messy. And it is not politics, which is messier still. Physical courage is not comparable to moral courage. In this podcast I look at the reasons, often historical, for why South Africans want sporting victory to mean more than what it possibly means.
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This month is the anniversary of Pelé’s birth in 1940 in a small town in the state of São Paulo. Given that it would have been his birthday a couple of days ago, in this week’s podcast we have a good long look at Pelé and a good long look at Pelé’s Brazil, a land of spirits, coffee and military dictatorships. He was a man not only with the wrong name (more of this in a moment) but a nickname he couldn’t remember getting. This is his story. _________________________________________________________________________
PELÉ’S FULL NAME is a bit of handful, so let’s get it out of the way first, shall we? Edson Arantes do Nascimento, was the older of two sons born to Joao Ramos do Nascimento and Celeste Arantes on the 23rd of October, 1940. Edson was poor but his family weren’t so poor that they didn’t allow themselves to be graced by the wistfulness of aspiration. His parents wanted him to be named after Thomas Edison, the inventor of the phonograph, an early prototype of the lightbulb and the motion picture camera, so the fact that he was named Edson seems to have been a bureaucratic mistake.
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The Springbok consensus tells us that the national rugby team’s performances are good for the economy. They’re good for the economy because winning games like the quarter-final against France leads to productivity and social cohesion. But might the opposite not be the case?
Might the Springboks not just exhaust us, causing us to be lazy and indigent. In this podcast I take a satirical look at the downside of being a supporter of the men in green and gold, whether we’re playing a World Cup quarter-final against France or a semi-final against England.
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With his heavy bat, Klusener hit thousands and thousands of balls in the 1999 World Cup in England. He was trying to achieve many things with this ritual, but mainly to groove his muscle memory and calm his nerves. ‘I needed to know how hard to hit it to get over the ropes – how much to get on it to get it to where it needed to go,’ he says.
Sometimes he would obsessively repeat the ritual time and time again, but at other times it would feel so good there would be no need and he wouldn’t want to break the spell he was in. ‘If I was in the zone and hitting well, I could be hitting with Fordie and he’d throw me five and everything would be great. He’d just look at me and we’d pack up because we knew that everything was perfect. Sometimes I’d opt out of those optional practices because I was in good shape. If I was in a good space I just wanted to stay in it.’
The rest of the team was in a similarly good space. They were more experienced than the 1996 side, more streetwise and as well, if not better, prepared, having stressed that they were out to enjoy themselves at a pre-tournament camp in Swellendam. They certainly came into the tournament against a backdrop of significant wins at a variety of venues in the preceding seasons.
They had won the Wills Golden Jubilee Tournament in Pakistan in 1997; won gold in the 1998 Commonwealth Games, beating a strong Australian side in the final; and won the inaugural ICC Knock Out Tournament (now the Champions Trophy), beating the West Indies in Bangladesh in the final, Jacques Kallis scoring a match-winning century.
Klusener sums up the prevailing atmosphere pithily: ‘We pretty much had all the boxes ticked – we went in [to the World Cup] really believing we could do it.’ His was a widely held view.
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The Cricket World Cup was once a far-smaller, protected and demure animal than the rampant commercial beast we know it as today. The first three World Cups – in 1975, 1979 and 1983 – were all hosted by England, with the first three finals being played at Lord’s.
The qualifying events for the 1979 and 1983 World Cups were also played in England. It was the home of cricket, after all, and cricket needed to stay put. If it didn’t stay at home, it might be carried, well, you know, away, watered down by tropical flavours and un-cricket-like attitudes. Moral codes might be stretched. Weird and wonderful things might happen. It might struggle in the equatorial sun.
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This week’s podcast is the first of several I’ll devote in the months ahead to sport in the 1970s. It was an age conspicuously different to our own. In some sports, like cricket and rugby union, an amateur dispensation prevailed.
Football, although professional, was, as we shall see, still trying to wrap its collective mind around epochal issues like advertising on shirts. The 1970s were more violent, more politicised, less televised, less legislated, less policed. The first football World Cup, for example, was televised only in 1970.
A LESS CONFORMIST AGE, it was also the age of great “characters”, ranging from George Best, to Muhammad Ali, to Pele, Ilie Năstase and the great West Indian cricket captain, Clive Lloyd. Later on in this podcast we’ll take a good look at one of these characters, a maverick Northern Ireland footballer called Derek Dougan.
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He isn’t a power hitter and because his name isn’t Heinrich Klaasen or Aiden Markram, Keshav Maharaj tends not to get the plaudits he deserves in white ball cricket for the Proteas.
Although a white ball novice, Maharaj is now 33. He’s canny, smart and very effective and he was one of the key players in the Proteas’ come-from-behind victory in the ODI series against that ended at a beautiful Wanderers last Sunday.
This podcast is a little praise poem to Maharaj’s often unsung talents. It’s also a preview of the 50-over World Cup that starts in India in October.
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Fifty years ago this month, then-tennis superstar, Billie Jean King, agreed to play in a highly-lucrative exhibition match against former Wimbledon champ, Bobby Riggs, a man nearly twice her age. The spiel was called “Battle of the Sexes 2” and, although light-hearted, was also in deadly earnest.
It was a time when recently-turned women’s professionals were campaigning for greater equality in take-home winnings. Riggs didn’t believe women were worth what they claimed to be worth and took to the court against King to prove it. What took place one September night at Houston’s Astrodome remains one of the most fascinating, tawdry and culturally significant moments in the history of professional tennis.
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There’s been great deal of talk about “spirit of the game” in recent months, some of it erudite, some of it hot air. Most recently we were told that a 7-1 forwards backs split on the Springbok bench for the Twickenham friendly against the All Blacks wasn’t the done thing.
Before that we were told by certain sections of the English media that Alex Carey’s run-out of Jonny Bairstow was against “spirit of the game” too.
But what is the “spirit of the game” exactly? Does a notion that belongs to a time when sport was played by amateurs for the purposes of moral upliftment have relevance in today’s sporting world? If it does, how does one define it?
We all instinctively feel that we know it when we see it but we also recognise that it’s not a law, so those who are found wanting in it application can’t be sanctioned. Why bother if it seems so nebulous. Through a series of anecdotes, in this week’s podcast we have a long hard look at that slippery sporting notion the “spirit of the game”.
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World Cups hinge on small things, and the deeper you go in a competition, the smaller these small things become. The further you go in the competition, the bigger these small things become, too.
Take what happened at the toss between Siya Kolisi and Owen Farrell in the final in Yokohama four years ago. These strange events and their significance were picked up at the time by former Lions coach-turned SuperSport television pundit, Swys de Bruin.
I this week’s podcast, I speak to De Bruin, a man who notices the small things but who also realises that the big things matter too. This is what Swys had to say about the upcoming World Cup in France.
And this is what Swys had to say about Siya and Owen and the French referee, Jérôme Garcès in 2019 and why what happened at the toss before the rugby World Cup final and why they had repercussions.
These repercussion could have caused England to lose the World Cup final.
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In 1973, after much coming and going, an athletic striker from Amsterdam was sold to a club of under-achieving Catalans on the Mediterranean. At the time, fifty years ago almost to the day, Amsterdam was a fount of progressive ideas, in culture and politics as well as football. By contrast, the
Catalans were locked in a long argument with Madrid. It made them testy, and backward-looking. They behaved like victims. The striker, who had won three consecutive European Cups, changed all that.
He changed it as a player and, later, he changed it as coach. It is fair and accurate to say that the football club to which he was sold for a then-record fee, would never be quite the same again.
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The fastest man ever over 400 metres is running again. This is the story of how he broke the world record.
Seven years ago in Rio there was a strange, intimate moment between a champion and an athlete in the act of becoming a champion. The occasion was the men’s 400 metres final at the Rio Olympics. South Africa’s Wayde van Niekerk, 24, was running in lane eight principally against the USA’s LaShawn Merritt and Grenada’s Kirani James, both Olympic gold medallists.
In the event – if you’ll excuse the pun – neither Merritt’s nor James’ presence in Rio made any difference to Van Niekerk, who powered to gold and smashed the world record in the process. On hand to describe it all was Michael Johnson, the man who had held the 400 metres record for 17 years. This is the story of Johnson and Van Niekerk, and what happened to Van Niekerk afterwards and caused him to wander in the wilderness.
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I’ve wanted to do a podcast on newspaper closures and the mostly hard-working men and women who fill them for ages. The idea drifts in and out of consideration, but it was brought to the forefront of my thoughts the other day when a friend sent me an article written by a one-time reader of the New York Times’ sports section, detailing that the Times were finally closing their sports section down. Another one bites the dust.
This podcast is for all those newspapers no longer with us, a requiem of sorts. And for all of the hacks who once populated them and made them what they were.
News arrived recently that the New York Times was closing its sports department. The relationship between sport and the rest of the newspaper was itchy at the best of times. The story is told, for example, of Robert Lipsyte, one of their star sports reporters of the 1960s, struggling to get the paper to recognise that Muhammad Ali no longer wanted to be called Cassius Clay.
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With the World Cup just over a month away, the coming three months will be a time of
frantic activity for the Springboks. In this podcast I try to unravel the tangle of cultural,
national and emotional factors that give them meaning to us as South Africans. Why do they mean what they do? And why is it that the Springboks mean so much?
I was born in 1964, and became aware of the Springboks from a young age. I can’t have been more than seven or eight when I saw a colour photograph of Frik du Preez for the first time. With the ball clamped to a Goliath hand, Frik was impressive enough, he looked both good-natured and menacing even in the photo, but more impressive by far was his jersey. We hadn’t been introduced. This was the fabled green and gold.
We are rightfully suspicious of backward-looking sentiment and so we should be, for excessive sentiment is a kind of caricature of life. White South Africa is set fast in the aspic of nostalgia, addicted to the consolations of yesterday like there is no tomorrow, and so I realise in saying what I’m about to say that I expose myself to all kinds of objection.
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Banyana banyana, the South African women’s football team, are currently in New Zealand for the women’s World Cup. The competition represents a crossroads for them and their coach, Desiree Ellis. Will Ellis be able to help them fight their way out of the group? Or will they come back as one of the competition’s early loser. Ellis is no loser, as her life-story tells us.
But are will, desire and endeavour enough?
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With the Corona Open at Jeffreys Bay in full swing, in this episode of The Luke Alfred Show we look back at Tom Curren’s epic J-Bay ride there in 1993. Captured by filmmaker, Sonny Miller, and immortalised in the 1996 film, “Searching for Tom Curren”, Curren’s ride was the perfect coming-together.
First, he was surfing royalty.
Second, Miller was keen to make history on his custom-made board and,
Thirdly, a once-banished South Africa was waking to the world. So much for setting the scene, this is Curren’s J-Bay story, a story which is also about the construction of one of surfing’s greatest myths.
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Eskild Ebbesen, a wiry Dane with the penetrating stare of a Viking, is the greatest lightweight rower alive. He and his crew dominated lightweight rowing in the late 1990s, winning three consecutive World Cups, and although there was a hiccup in the Sydney Olympics of 2000, where they won bronze, they extended their authority over the next 10 years. They won gold in Athens and followed it up four years later with gold in Beijing.
Their story is remarkable for its fusion of consistency, longevity and a peerless ability to peak at the right time. Ebbesen’s is a household name in Denmark, rare for a rower. He became so much of a national hero that he appeared more than once in Denmark’s equivalent of Strictly Come Dancing. He is, to coin a phrase from South African rower James Thompson, ‘bigger than Richie McCaw’.
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As a final it had everything: a death, a freak injury and an unusual – and not universally popular – refereeing decision by referee for the day, Freek Burger. That wasn’t all. The final also had an unexpected late second-half twist. And a twist it quite literally was.
Early on in the winter of 1976, Freek Burger’s knee was badly crocked by a Jan “Boland” Coetzee late tackle in a club rugby game between Police and Maties down in the Western Cape. The injury wasn’t crippling but it was bad enough to suggest that the fly-half needed to take stock.
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As the eagerly-awaited first Ashes Test gets underway at Edgbaston this weekend, we look back 75 years to Don Bradman’s last tour to England.
It was 1948 and “The Don” was approaching 40. This is the story of “The Invincibles,” one of the greatest teams to ever tour England.
The last test cricket England and Australia played before the world plunged into the Second World War was a disaster for the Aussies in general and skipper Don Bradman in particular.
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Sometime in the first half of 2005 – note the sly football metaphor in the first half of the sentence – I got it into my head that I wanted to go to that year’s Champions League final. At that stage I didn’t know who was in the final. But I did know that the final was going to be in Istanbul and Istanbul was where I wanted to be.
So, with a pushiness completely out of kilter with my basic personality, I went about securing tickets. It wasn’t difficult. I worked for the Sunday Times, a smug, self-important lot who were used to getting things their own way.
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The subject of this week’s podcast is big sporting flops. We’re going to have fun with flops – the sport which involves having fun with flops is called flopping, incidentally – but there’s also going to be a serious, intellectually responsible and, wherever possible, historically accurate undertow to our discussion.
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By his own admission Stormers’ coach John Dobson is neither highly technical nor a career coach. If he’s neither of these two things, then what is he? A communication specialist? A proud South African?
A regular guy who believes that rugby can help heal wounds and unite a fragmented Cape and national community. Ahead of this weekend’s United Rugby Championship final against Munster, Dobson tried to answer that question – and gave us a privileged peek into “Dobbo’s World.”
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With three titles within reach, Pep Guardiola’s Manchester City are unstoppable today but it wasn’t always so. Time was when City mostly squirmed in the shadow cast by Manchester United.
Sometimes, they stepped out of that shadow. In the late 1960s and early 1970s they were helped onto centre stage by the coaching duo of Joe Mercer and Malcolm Allison. This is their and City’s fantastic story.
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Get full written episodes of the show a day early on Substack.
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In 1974, my “bestie” and I, Mick Ellingham, invented a fictitious football club – Millbury Town. As versatile multi-taskers, we did everything for the club. We played for them and the opposition. We commentated as we played. We picked the ball out of both nets and, in the interests of verisimilitude, occasionally fouled each other. Little did we know it then but being Millbury players, fans and coaches led imperceptibly to other things…
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World cup winning Springbok, Joost Van Der Westhuizen revolutionsied what it meant to be a scrumhalf in professional rugby.
After himself, scrumhalves could never be ‘nuggety’ or ‘lippy’ again.
With his sniping, his kicking game, his speed, and his difficult-to-tackle brilliance, his prised apart the narrow definition of what a scrumhalf could do.
He had torn up the manual.
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In 1977, I arrived at Highlands North Boys High School in Johannesburg. I was 12 years old.
I found myself in a strange and frightening place but it was also a world of unexpected pleasures – this is the story of my high school years and what they meant to me.
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South Africa's first ever Cricket World Cup in Australasia in 1992, was played against a backdrop of extreme political uncertainty. Back home at the same time, white South Africa were voting in a referendum for political change.
If that vote was "no", cricketers would be unceremoniously pulled from the tournament. As it happened, the answer was "yes".
This is the story of that "yes".
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Reading an end of season press release from Cricket South Africa recently, I stumbled upon Aiden Markram talking about the current Proteas’ “journey.” To my knowledge, no-one has picked up on the journey (shouldn’t that be tagged along on the journey?) possibly because Markram’s juicy quote was buried so deep in the release that you’d need an electron microscope to see it.
Foolishly perhaps, I read the release to the end, doing what tens of other journalists never do, and discovering that like every sportsman and woman on the planet, Aiden and the Proteas have clambered aboard the journey train.
Maybe they’ve simply clambered on a train upon which to journey, however, for, as we all know, sportsmen and women the world over are going on journeys. All the time. So much packing and preparation, so many departures, so many journeys. But so, so few destinations.
Who doesn’t like the idea of a journey? We all do. I do. I like the idea of a journey, I really do. I’m on a journey right now – my journey – my journey to grab listeners from my basement squat in the teeming, overcrowded tenement of contemporary podcasting, my journey to earn a crust from giving you, the lucky listener, free original content for weeks without end as I genuflect like a desperate heathen before the GREAT GOD OF THE ALGORITHM.
I hope you, too, are on a journey – your journey – to find enlightenment, or happiness, or wealth, or satisfaction or that ever-elusive concept, “the good”. Maybe it’s wrong to assume that you’re on a journey, maybe you’re just unstacking the dishwasher. Maybe you’re folding children’s clothes, or lifting weights in the gym, or worrying absent-mindedly why he – or she – isn’t texting you and why this is so, and what might be wrong? If you’re not worrying about what’s wrong, you’re probably worrying about what’s not quite right because that’s how we live nowadays, in a perpetual twilight of what’s not quite right.
Maybe you’re walking somewhere, or jogging, or listening to this in the car, in which case it is a journey, but not that kind of journey. It’s not a journey-journey, it’s simply a journey.
Maybe your journey is a journey for meaning, in which case I might just be able to help you because you’ve stumbled upon this podcast, which is, in its way, a journey for meaning. This is good because it means that our journeys have intersected, the lines of our two journeys for meaning have crossed just outside the station, at least for now. So let’s take this journey together.
Although we’re all on our different journeys, sometimes meeting, sometimes missing, it is important to say at this juncture – and just in case I haven’t made it completely clear – that the word “journey”, as in a quest or voyage to somewhere new, is one of the great clichés of contemporary sport.
Everyone in the sporting world, irrespective of sport, irrespective of gender, is on some damn journey, as though the journey itself confers something special and magic and, even, spellbinding.
On the upside, at least it’s more concrete than the frustratingly vague reliance on the word, process, or variations thereof, such as processes, which used to be the dominant cliché, the Manchester City or Usain Bolt of sport clichés, of three, four, five years ago.
Often people back then used to talk about sticking to their processes, as if by clutching processes tight everything would be okay, like they were a little person with their teddy bear. It reminded me of holding out an amulet or lucky charm to ward off evil spirits. The other guys could do their stuff, but just as long as we were sticking to our processes e
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After serving a ten-year coaching apprenticeship, Arrigho Sacchi’s Parma played Silvio Berlusconi’s AC Milan in the Coppa Italia. Parma lost and afterwards Berlusconi offered Sacchi a job. This is the story of Sacchi creating of one of the greatest club sides in the history of football.
It's fun watching old European Cup clashes on YouTube, which is basically what my life as a once-esteemed sports journalist has boiled down to. Nowadays I frantically scour the back of my brain for new podcast subjects in an attempt to impress my 26 year-old son and show that, as I approach 60, I’m as suave of body and mind as he is.
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Across a variety of sports - football, tennis, rugby union, cricket, American football, and some sports I don't know about - we are seeing sportsmen and women at the pinnacle of their chosen sport for longer and longer.
Are we in the age of the ageless sportsman?
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In the summer of 1972, Muhammed Ali fought in the unlikely venue of Croke Park in Dublin, at the headquarters of the Gaelic Athletic Association. His opponent was an ex-con called Al "Blue" Lewis. And their fight was co-promoted by restless impresario and strongman "Butty" Sugrue. This is their story...
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Cricket matches between South Africa and the West Indies invariably involve drama. They also involve stories you've never even heard of. Here are some of them.
When South Africa plays the West Indies at cricket, a theme is activated. It is difficult to say precisely what this theme is, although we all know it to be there. Is it, perhaps, the theme of the past, for the past still lingers in the cricket of both teams?
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In 2002, Hansie Cronje, the disgraced former captain of South African cricket, tragically died in a plane crash aged only 32. I was on the tour in early 2000 in India where Cronje played his last two matches for South Africa - after which the match-fixing scandal emerged.
Cronje was accused of accepting money from bookmakers in India to throw cricket matches.
At first the allegations were denied by Cronje. But soon it became clear that there was more to this story than met the eye. Hansie was found guilty of match fixing, which brought his professional playing career to an untimely end.
In 2019 I met Hansie’s sister, Esther to learn the truth behind her brother Hansie – the former golden boy of South African cricket. The following extract I wrote for my book from my book, Vuvuzela Dawn. This is the real story of Hansie Cronje.
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In 1996, the South African football team - nicknamed "Bafana bafana" - hosted and won the premier continental football tournament, the African Cup of Nations. Their coach, Clive "The Dog" Barker, relied on a novel melody to get the team to sing.
In this episode, Luke recalls his experience as a rookie sport's journalist in Johannesburg, covering some of the most memorable games in Bafana's tournament that year.
You will hear how Clive Barker went from Springbok rugby fan, to AFCON winning coach.
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The Sunrisers Eastern Cape had no form to speak of as they entered the knockout phase of the #sa20league winning only once in their last five round-robin matches.
They lost twice in the round-robins to their semi-final opponents, the Joburg Super Kings, and the smart money suggested that would happen a third time in the semi. It didn’t. The Sunrisers won their semi and won the final. this is their miraculous story.
In this episode, Luke interviewed Sunrisers coach, Adrian Birrell, and learnt about his campfire metaphors and his coaching prowess.
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South African test cricket has been on the wane for the best part of two decades now.
In this episode, Luke recalls the 2008 series where Graeme Smith's men beat the Aussies for the first time down under since the proteas were readmitted into international cricket.
You'll hear about fiery Mitchell Johnson, poised AB De Villiers, and frantic Justin Langer, who was pulling his hair out on the sidelines.
Luke goes on to recount the many woes that the South African test fan has endured over the last ten years, and why this slow demise has taken place.
Join us as we re-live the glory days, and bemoan the current state of affairs regarding the proteas in white!
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In 1996, an illiterate janitor from Mpumalanga in South Africa won the gold medal for the Olympic marathon. This is his unbelievable story.
This week, Luke teaches us about Josia Thugwane, the South African farm boy that ran away from home and became an Olympic legend.
With five kilometres to go, all three were neck and neck. Floating through growing early morning crowds as the end approached. The pace never wavered, the three remaining a close bunch.
The lead changed hands several times: first Wainaina strode into a brief lead, before being caught. Then Thugwane surged, before he too was hauled in. No other athlete was in sight. It was just Wainaina, Thugwane, and Lee Bong-ju. Three men for three medals. In what order? No one knew.
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This weekend marks the beginning of the 2023 6 Nations Rugby Championship. To mark the occasion, I want to share with you the story of the strangest ever iteration of the tournament by in 1972, when it was called the 5 Nations.
A former British Lions captain, Tom Kiernan was one of the most recognised rugby players in the British Isles. For all his Elan, international trophies eluded him. It was 1972 and Ireland had started that season's 5 Nations well. Was Kiernan's luck about to change?
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At a certain point in his career, George Best played for every mediocre football club in the world.
He played for Fulham and Bournemouth, neither of which were the clubs they are today, Hibernian, the Brisbane Lions, Stockport County (in the fourth division), Los Angeles Aztecs, Cork United, Fort Lauderdale Strikers, San Jose Earthquakes and Newry Town. Who? Who on earth are Newry Town? He even played for a time in that football mecca, Hong Kong.
Some of these stints were a little longer, some a little shorter, but they invariably followed the same pattern. First the press conference or photo opportunity (sometimes both) with the club chairman, after which a gentle run-out to meet the boys, the reception of the club jersey and the signing of a few autographs.
This was quickly followed by Best’s opening fixture (with the biggest home crowd of the season), bad weather, minor injury and the rapidly drying concrete of disillusion; somewhere along the line there would be epic bouts with broads and booze and sooner rather than later there would be a slightly strained – yet publicly amicable – parting of the ways.
This is the strange and ultimately sad story of Best's demise.
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