The World has seen great Soccer Lords who brilliantly captained their teams and enjoyed many outings of marvelous victories.
For Many Years, Edison Arantes Do Nascimento, otherwise known as Pele, ld Brazil ti rule the World in Soccer. Kelvin Keagan was a Captain every good players loved to team up with. His prowess brought England to soccer limelight. Armando Diego Maradona ruled the Argentine soccer world and was practically a colossus, bestriding the wide world of football, when he wore the black band for Argentina. Michel Platini, the darling maestro of French football, and a host of other names were at one time or another the Stars and Winning captain of their teams.
These men were winners in their own right and the World stood up to acknowledge their mastery and the excellence in their different eras. The media ran after them and celebrated their prowess. Their postures were the delight of cameramen and calendars spoke volumes of their exploit. If you are a football enthusiast you would perhaps have loved to be in the team of Pele, Kelvin or Maradona or given them support .
Great Captains they all were, while they held sway. The world still cherises the memories of their dazzling moments. But today, it is different. They no longer captain a team and will, most likely, never do so. The glorious days of ovation and emotional clap-trap are certainly over. Life is such a poor, transient player. Where is Portugal’s Eusebio? Where is England’s legendary Stanley Mattews? Where is Nigeria’s Segun Odegbami, Mutiu Adepoju, Stephen Keshi, the majestical goal keeper, Peter Rufai,….?
Yes, they could kick with great agility. They knew the ropes of their game so well but as men, age has caught up with them and taken its toll on both their physical energies and mental capacity. There are limits set to what any human being can do in time. No one can trespass the limits of mortal grandeur. THERE IS NOTHING EVER WINNING ON EARTH. The success of man, any endeavour, be it academics, sports or any other career will not last. The best of also will not be forever. DEATH must come someday.
