HARARE - Former Zimbabwe goalkeeper Bruce Grobbelaar According to the Hope and Dreams book, which was a special publication celebrating the first world cup in Africa, Grobbelaar was named as the third best Africa soccer great behind George Weah of Liberia and Ghanas Abedi Pele Ayew not to have been at a world cup final.
Hopes and Dreams described Grobbelaar as one of the most successful African exports to Europe.
He made over 400 appearances for English giants Liverpool at a time when they were dominating domestic and continental football.
Grobbelaar made over 40 appearances for Zimbabwe. The man known affectionately by his fans as The Jungleman or Clown Prince won six English League titles, three FA Cups and the European Cup now known as the champions league.
He was part of the dream team that captured the worlds imagination resulting to Zimbabwe being in the top 10 of African soccer rankings for the first time.
The team included the late Mercedes Sibanda, Francis Shonhayi and Benjamin Konjera, Henry Mckop, John Phiri, Ephraim Chawanda, Willard Khumalo, Rahman Gumbo, Peter, Adam and Madinda Ndlovu, Vitalis Takawira, Abdul Karim Agent Sawu, Paul Gundani and current warriors coach Norman Mapeza.
Born in Durban, South African Grobbelaar grew up in Zimbabwe, before beginning his career with Highlanders. He later joined Durban City Stars before a spell in Canada with Vancouver Whitecaps. He then moved to Anfield where he had a 14-year spell before joining Southampton.
He was regarded as one of the great characters of the game and is fondly remembered despite allegations of match-fixing that surfaced in the twilight of his career, the book said.
The other players who made up the top 10 include Japhet NDoram-Chad a striker with an excellent goal-scoring record. He made a name at Nantes and Monaco in France in the 1990s.
Ahmen Hassan, Egypt, claimed four African Cup of Nations titles with Egypt 1998, 2006, 2008 and 2010 being named player of the tournament in 2006 and 2010.
Karim Abdul Razak-Ghana, the 1978 African Footballer of the year played alongside Franz Beckenbauer at Cosmos in the early 1980s
Hacene Lalmas, Algeria, never tested his abilities in Europe but regarded at one of the best players in Africa.
Salif Keita, Mali, He was a prolific striker in the 1960s and 1970s and had successful careers in France, Spain and Portugal.
Saleh Selim, Egypt, was the reason behind the Pharoahs success in the 1950s and 1960s.
Ace Ntsoelengoe, South Africa, is regarded as the most talented players to come out of South Africa. He was denied an appearance at the world cup by the sporting sanctions imposed on the country. He played for 11 years in America before joining Kaiser Chiefs.
Post published in: Football