I once traveled to the country now known as Congo, formerly called Zaire. During my visit, I had a memorable encounter with a young boy who could only speak the names of football players in English. Proudly repeating “Gary Lineker, Gary Lineker, Gary Lineker,” he showcased his limited English skills. This interaction took place by Lake Kivu, two years after the 1986 World Cup, where he demonstrated his love for football through gestures mimicking players like Maradona and Lineker.
Several years later, the region, including Zaire, was deeply affected by the Rwandan genocide, leaving me to wonder about the boy’s fate. This incident highlighted the universal influence of football across the globe.
Renowned TV personality Michael Parkinson once shared stories of encountering individuals in remote places who only recognized English words like “Bobby Charlton,” “Bobby Moore,” and “Gordon Banks.”
The historical connection between the Daily Mirror and Congo dates back many years. Notably, the late Don Wise, a distinguished reporter for the Mirror, extensively covered events in Congo, including penning a notable piece titled “Britain’s Blunders in the Congo” in 1963.
Wise dedicated himself to reporting from Congo on multiple occasions, providing firsthand accounts to Mirror readers. In 1974, the Mirror featured the legendary boxing match between Muhammad Ali and George Foreman, known as the ‘Rumble in the Jungle,’ which took place in Kinshasa.
Fast forward to the present day, Congo is set to face England in the World Cup final, marking a significant moment for the African team. This event evokes memories of their previous World Cup appearance in 1974, where they faced defeats against Scotland, Yugoslavia, and Brazil.
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