A few weeks ago, I belatedly discovered the superb Netflix miniseries The English Game. Developed by Julian “Downton Abbey” Fellowes, it’s a riveting story about the UK in the 1870s, focusing on the dawning of professional football.
Its appeal stretches far beyond sports fans. As does the longevity of the focal point, the FA Cup, England’s annual all-comers knock-out competition that started a century and a half ago. This year’s competition is down to its last 16 competitors, still delivering as much drama as that Netflix mini-series.
Over the weekend, second league Middlesbrough FC travelled to Manchester United’s storied “Theatre of Dreams” and, in front of the rivals’ 75 000 fans, left victorious. Another big club, West Ham United, almost followed ManU out of the competition, only squeaking through in the closing seconds against Kidderminster Harriers from English Football league’s sixth tier.
The FA Cup’s long history of giant-killing feats is a reminder that in sport, and in life, nothing is impossible. We also see this in business where today’s tiny disruptor is often tomorrow’s market leader. Attitude is everything. Enthusiasm and humility wins. Arrogance and complacency doesn’t.
PS We’ve been blown away by the response to Friday’s request to community members willing to host Andrew Goodhead on his great adventure from Cape Town to BNC#3 at Champagne Sports Resort. He’s sorted on four of the stops, but if you know someone who can help at or near Breede, Victoria West or Sterkfontein Dam, please let us know via [email protected].
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