Episode description not available.

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 LiverpoolI 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 RuinWe 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 ContenderKlopp 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 SaviorAt Liverpool, Klopp inherited a team lacking direction. He replicated his success story, forging a relentless unit that defied expectations.Unrivaled HappinessKlopp'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 BlueprintWe explore Klopp's core principles, like the mandatory post-defeat socializing, that fostered team spirit and relentless effort.The Human Cost of SuccessThe relentless pursuit of victory takes its toll. We see glimpses of Klopp's weariness under the constant media scrutiny.A Well-Deserved BreakAs 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.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.

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.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.

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 LeinsterThe 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.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.

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.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.

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.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.

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.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 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.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.

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. 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.

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. 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.

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 inways he couldn’t quite put a finger on. Power, you see, has a passing resemblance toCantona and was wearing Cantona’s famous number 7 shirt. Power might almost havepassed 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 becausewhomever this Cantona lookalike was, he and his baggy shorts would soon be on his way, walking off the pitch and out of 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.

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.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.

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. 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.

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.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.

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 atNewlands, 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 Cupon home turf, losing a close match against India at Willowmoore Park by two wickets.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.

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. 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 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.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.

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? 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.