Liverpool Football Club – premier league champions. Now that it’s real it’s a bit of an anti-climax.
As a Manchester United fan friend said: “It was the best way for us – ie: no wild celebrations – to have had Liverpool win the league.”
Jokingly, of course. Well, possibly.
But I’m still satisfied, don’t get me wrong.
In fact it’s convinced me that the Proteas will one day win a cricket World Cup but that’s a story for another day.
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Once this Covid-19 curse has run its course, us Reds will be able to truly enjoy and savour the achievement.
I think it’s fair to say I have been a Liverpool supporter through thick and thin and thinner and then thinner still.
It started in 1986, watching Liverpool play Everton in the FA Cup final.
Ian Rush scored twice for a 3-1 win. With my surname, what chance did I have?
With limited TV coverage available in those days we didn’t really understand the league, or I didn’t at that age.
Still, I was pleased when Liverpool won the league in 1990, my matric year.
Little did I know it would take another 30 years for it to happen again.
After the agony of the Stevie ‘slip’ and then throwing away a handy lead last year, this year was a matter of the mind.
The talent was obviously there but the question was, could they maintain the mental mettle to win.
I know it’s only sport, especially in the midst of the virus, but this win has meant much to many.
It has represented a reality that it is worth never giving up on what feels impossible.
It’s shown that a team of (supposedly) less talented players, when playing for each other, can defeat much bigger names.
I admit I do not know all the words to ‘You’ll Never Walk Alone’, but being a Liverpool supporter has resulted in some unlikely bonds and friendships being formed – a connection made with folk with whom it may otherwise never have happened.
These include some of my colleagues, like Linda Rathnam, Sue Pillay and Desmond Govender.
It’s also opened the door for much friendly banter with friends and colleagues who support other teams.
As you may have seen by now, Rob Fidler, aka Rob in the ‘Hood, is a hardcore Manchester City supporter.
Arsenal supporters have included the late Ayub Moosa, Mike Anthony and Simon Lee.
When it comes to Manchester United there are too many to mention, but former colleague Sugan Naidoo comes to mind, as does our production manager Brennan Raymond.
Three decades of endless ribbing have come to an end.
There might be some sporting justice in this world after all.
To my many Man U friends: ‘Next year maybe?’
Sorry, couldn’t resist.
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