Memories of Africa

The trip to Zambia proved the phrase, "we have a name that everyone knows," from the Barça anthem right: the Barça Legends' time from 24 to 27 May in the African nation was notable for the enthusiastic welcome given to the team throughout their stay by both the fans and the local authorities. 

"For the government there, our visit was a great opportunity to show themselves off to the world. For that reason they took us up and down their lovely country. We are very grateful for their hospitality and for the respect with which they treated us," says Albert Ferrer, Barça Legends coach. 

"When I travelled there, two weeks ago, to Zambia, I felt good. It's a clean and healthy country and my experience was confirmed talking to the rest of the Legends. I remember the colours and, above all, how friendly the people were. We discovered some marvels of nature such as the Victoria Falls and the Zambezi river," he adds. 

The word 'Barça' could be heard all across the African nation as the blaugranes took in the moving landscapes that the country has to offer and a people in thrall to the blaugrana colours. The Barça expedition will not quickly forget the helicopter journey above the imposing sight of Victoria Fall, the visit from Chief Mukuni or the sunset trip down the Zambezi river but the most lasting memory will the warm welcome given to them by the Zambian people. 

A packed stadium 

It will also be difficult to forget the atmosphere in the Heroes Stadium in Lusaka on 25 May. More than 60,000 fans watched the game between the Barça Legends and the Chipolopolo Afcon Champions, the Zambian national team that won the 2012 African Cup of Nations, a record attendance for a Barça Legends game.

The local fans provided colour and atmosphere in the stands with Ronaldinho the star on the pitch in a team that also included Mariano Angoy, Xavi Guzmán, Samuel Okunowo, Frédéric Déhu, Dani Tortolero, Miquel Soler, Sergi Barjuan, Juan Carlos Rodríguez, Francesco Coco, José Edmilson, Gabri, Jon Andoni Goikoetxea, Gaizka Mendieta, Patrick Kluivert, Javier Saviola, Giovanni Silva and Jofre Mateu.

The gamed in a 3-0 win for the local team with the age difference between the sides a key factor: nearly all the Zambian players were under 40, whereas most of the Barça Legends were over 40 and in some cases 50. 

"The difference in age explains the result over 90 minutes. I think we competed equally until the 60th minute and 2-0. We have to remember that they were African Champions 11 years ago and that two of their players are still playing and many have only just retired. In any case, the most important thing was to get back in action and to reactivate the project so the players can see it is still alive. Their reply was very good and in the coming months we have the chance to play more matches," added Ferrer.