Your History
Your History
The Times
Gerry Francis - footballer and change maker
5 minutes Posted Jun 17, 2025 at 11:01 pm.
0:00
5:31
Download MP3
Show notes

Gerry Francis was the first black South African to play in the English First Division. A child of the apartheid era, he came to Britain to prove himself against white players after being inspired by Nelson Mandela. He shone briefly on the pitch, but he believed his playing career was cut short by what he called the "racist attitudes in the boardroom".


Image: Shutterstock


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.