A View from Afar

By Bhurdwaz Mungur
November 9 2004

Following the fortunes of the Clarets for half a century is indeed a long period . I remember in the 50s when there was no TV in Mauritius I was sitting by the radio in order to be informed whether Burnley have lost or won .I followed the FA Cup final in 1962 on radio only to hear Burnley losing by 3-1.I was in the pang of utter pain when the BBC commentator signalled that Burnley would not survive the 4th division .He further added that only a miracle can save Burnley from destitution . As a foreign fan I could do nothing than pray to Almighty for a miracle in our favour.My prayer with many ,many others was positively answered .We beat Leyton Orient and the honour of a historical prestigious club was saved . Gradually ,Burnley gathered strength and got promoted to the 3rd ,2nd and now in the 1st division (new formula) .The willingness to push forward is very apparent . Unluckily we are betrayed by innumerable injuries sustained to our key players .We are not in a position to field our best players . Even though we are not submerged by the assaults coming from the opposing clubs . With a little bit of luck ,which we need so much , the wheel of fortune will turn in our favour . We are a second time lucky that we are to enjoy the thrills of a live match in our small island .The islanders still remember Burnley and will make it a point to watch the match . As others Burnley have many fans but among the elderly .Till lately there was a football club in Mauritius by the name of Burnley FC .But the government imposed regionalism and the club had to change its name into Savane Sporting Club .It is doing very well in the first division . I associate with other worldwide fans of Super Burnley for an exciting match and that we beat our one time great rival Tottenham Hotspurs .We should not forget that once both Burnley and Spurs ruled Britain . Who can predict the future correctly .I am told that history repeats itself .Let us wait and see .