He always wore it during games and rivals tried to take it off. The Ghanaian, one of the best on the continent, was murdered in 1971.
The story could be part of a novel or of a series of novels now passing. streambut that is not the case, demonstrating that, despite technological advances, reality continues to surpass fiction. The protagonist of this plot is called Robert Mensah, one of the best goalkeepers Africa had in the 20th century. In 1970 he was even named the ninth best African player in history by the prestigious magazine French football. It had, besides many special features, a very special one: he played with a cap that some detractors believe had magical powers and was enchanted. Several tried to remove it to break the curse, but he even defended his amulet with punches.
There were not a few who associated the cap with the word “yuyu”a term describing “magico-religious” practices on the African continent. In turn, the controversial piece of clothing was said to be a gift from Mensah’s “witch grandfather” to protect him from goals. Believe or break.
Besides cultures, mysteries and witchcraft, it was clear that the Ghanaian footballer shined in most matches. At the same time, he was a great provocateur who aroused the anger of others: he yawned excessively when he was bored during the matches and He even picked up a newspaper to read on the field of play as the ball passed from one side to the other.
In 1968 he came second with his Ghana at the Africa Cup in Ethiopia. That same year, he also took part in the Olympic Games held in Mexico. In 1971, when he was perhaps at the peak of his performance, he was murdered in a bar in the town of Tema: they cut him with a bottle, causing severe bleeding. Thousands of Ghanaians attended his funeral. They say the cap was also buried that day…
Source: Goal