In a football era of pre-madonnas, dishonesty, greed and A-grade Wan*ers (FIFA) it is easy to see why many fans are falling out of love with the beautiful game. When we were struck by the great Recession many people not only were unable to afford to attend the games but also became increasingly irate at footballers wages becoming bigger and bigger in a time where most of the population were struggling to keep their jobs and feed their families. However one man was sent by the football Gods to instil belief back into the youth, one man is the chink of hope in struggling families, one man carries the burden of making football and the fans fall in love all over again and he is called Bolo Zenden. Forged in August 1976 in a Dutch town called Maastricht Zenden could of quite easily grew up to become a world recognised Judo champion and gained himself a black belt at just 14 years of age (This explains the ridiculous flying volley against Spurs 2009/10 season). Fortunately for the football community he embarked on a journey, which spanned 18 years across 4 different countries beginning at PSV Eindhoven and finally finding his place of solace in the city of Sunderland. Released from Marseille in 2009 Bolo was left questioning his future in the game. For a man who had given so much to football he was stranded in a cloud of uncertainty. Despite playing for the mesmerising Barcelona, PSV Eindhoven, Chelsea & Liverpool who would of thought that Black Belt Bolo would end his illustrious career at the Black Cats. Which leaves the question, after winning all that could be won and no doubt having enough capital to live his life comfortably, why chose Sunderland? Personally I believe that Sunderland chose Bolo. A working class town united during challenging times where football is part of life and can rejuvenate a whole city. At 34 years old, Zenden optimises everything Sunderland stands for with his endeavour to carry on when critics were telling him he was finished to nearly being KO’d down at Fulham then returning to battle moments later shows the guy had a strength of will that isn’t human. To grasp his one opportunity that Steve Bruce lay down with failure not an option, who wouldn’t be inspired Zenden? The moment he stepped out onto the hallow turf at the Stadium of Light, belief and inspiration was restored to a depleted Red n White Army. Sharing his knowledge of the game to younger squad members and acting as a role model to not only players but also kids all over the North East on how to approach life. When not in training Bolo devotes his time to teaching young kids in the community in the Academy of Light, I mean in a world where 99% of footballers swan off to their mansions after training claiming to be too busy to sign autographs this has to be commended. Bolo Zenden – The People’s Champ
brilliant mate, and he is a true ambassador to the sport, still reckon he's got a bit of gas left in him yet, with the arrival of muntari maybe his chances will be less often, but i have stated many times in both bolo and steed we have two midfielders who really want to play for the club, and not just about money. so when our africans bugger off to the acn at least we have that position covered. hopefully the likes of bolo will be around at safc for a long time in some capacity.
Replied to a post last week about Zenden and Malbranque (I think) and said that although I wouldn't give him a new contract as a player we should try to tempt him with a coaching role as he is as said a decent bloke who has a lot to offer SAFC in my opinion.
Very good article IBWT. You hold Bolo at a level slightly above where i do, but for me he is indisputably one of the good guys and a great presence and influence around the club. I hope beyond his playing days he has a place on the coaching staff where his eexperience and personal qualities can continue to positively influence the club.
Adecent sort of bloke with great experience and contacts within the game. I agree we should be setting a structure in place so that in time he can move into a coaching role
Great read, pos. rep. from me. First I've heard about his Judo exploits. is there no end to this man's talents?
Both Zenden an Malbranque have skills that are rarely seen today. These must be passed on and this can only be done coaching so at least one of them must stay on as a coach
From comments made by Bruce or Quinny (not sure which, or maybe it was safc.com), I think Bolo just wants to play football. At least, those seem to be the noises he is making. He probably has a few years left in him yet, though not at top 10 PL level other than as a standy player IMO. Maybe coaching does not hold out any appeal to him? I could see him leaving in the summer to QPR, Reading or some club like that just for the pleasure of playing regular 1st team footy. I hear what you are saying about either Steeeeed or Bolo being engaged in coaching. TBH, I cannot see Steed doing it. Perhaps he is simply too quiet and private. I would be absolutely delighted to be proved wrong on all counts Anyhow, I think Steed has another one or two years of useful genuinely contribution to 1st team football as a squad player and back-up. Brucey will not be able to improve every single position in two years and so Steed will prove useful IMO.
Bolo is a class apart. I would love him to sign a new contact as I think he has load still offer this club.
As Commachio stated; when the African contingent bugger off, I think Zenen will get the games he is after on the field; also, the way we go through players with injuries, I think he will get more than his fair share. However saying all that, as much as I would love the lad to stay, I think he wants regular first team starting 11 every week. Not too sure if he will be around next season as a stand in. Hope to hell that i am proved wrong and he is wilth the club for years to come in one form or another.
Sorry lads, but if Bolo wants to leave, so be it, we have got to progress, at nearly 63 I realise my future is not fantastic, but I have to get on with it. so he also has to get on with it, we need young players with a bit of the class he had, when he was younger, albeit, If the club could bring him in as a mentor, coach, something like that, until he finally hangs up his boots, I would not be too unhappy. but we must progress,,,,,, not calling Bolo a has been, but would have preferred him younger, but then again, younger, he would have not played for us. time to move on, no offence intended.
I totally agree, Bill. I would love to have had Bolo here 5 years ago. It's probably up to him : I would love to have Bolo stay on as a coach - but would he want it now? Maybe in a few years time but I think he wants to play 1st team footy, even if it is Championship. Dammit, I wish Coca Cola would sponsor the Championship again. It was so much easier to say CCC or fizzy pop league.
Danny IMO bolo will get a deal, and probably a good deal, age gets to us all, so I recon he will come out ok, and where better to make a few bob, than SUNDERLAND, trust. loyalty,truth, honesty. these are the people, in general from the north east. unfortunately footballers,,,,, DONT QUITE GET THIS. but the Cloggies, Bolo being one, appriciate this, so fingers crossed.
A great article-it's a pity there aren't more people in the game with Bolo's qualities and I would love to see him on the coaching staff when he hangs up his boots.I feel that he has maybe got another 2 seasons in him but I don't think we'll be in a position to offer him regular 1st team football. Whatever he does I'll wish him well.
