Meet the Scots coach who has become a South African football legend

Jun 21 2009 Gavin Berry

Exiled Scot Joe Frickleton touched down in Argentina for the 1978 World Cup - just as Ally MacLeod's dejected squad were heading home.

Now the legend of South African football is praying George Burley's men make it to next summer's showpiece so he can live out a dream he never thought possible and join the Tartan Army in his adopted homeland.

With the chase for a play-off spot nearing a climax Scots fans are desperate to see the country end a 12-year absence from major finals.

And no one is more excited at the prospect than Frickleton who is based in Cape Town, one of the host cities for the World Cup.

His rags to riches tale began in the 60s when, after suffering relegation with East Stirling, he emigrated to South Africa and ended the decade having won three championships with Highlands Park.

Joe coached Kaizer Chiefs to a domestic clean sweep in 1984 then led Orlando Pirates to the country's first success in African club competition, the 1995 Champions Cup.

His legendary status was cemented last year with a life- time achievement award from the country's FA.

But one target has so far remained tantalisingly out of reach for the man who has won the lot.

That's why Joe, who was on the books of Rangers as a kid alongside Willie Henderson, is desperate to roll out the red carpet for Scotland in South Africa 12 months from now.

Missed Speaking to MailSport from his home in Cape Town he said: "I was in Argentina for the 1978 World Cup and saw how the people there supported the tournament.

"I was coach of South African club Lusitano at the time and the chairman said if we won a trophy he'd send me to Argentina. He kept his word.

"My brother Sammy was married to the daughter of then East Fife chairman Jimmy Baxter and I'll never forget when we arrived in Argentina I saw him at the airport.

"I couldn't believe it, I thought he had come to see me. I asked him where he was going because he had his suitcases with him and he said 'Home, we got knocked out!' "Scotland hadn't made it past the group phase and we were only going for the later stages so missed each other.

"I got to see the likes of Argentina and Italy so it was a great experience but I hope in 12 months' time I finally get to watch Scotland at the World Cup.

"The fact it's in my adopted homeland would make it even better but I don't know how they are going to qualify.

"I feel football has gone backwards in Scotland, although I really hope they make South Africa. I just hope they aren't disgraced if they do qualify.

"It would be so exciting for me and the Scotland fans who have waited so long - the Tartan Army would love South Africa.

"The people here are very much looking forward to the World Cup but we're a bit worried about attendances..

"The Confederations Cup is going on at the moment with top nations like Spain and Italy but the crowds have been disappointing.

"The problem is cost - a lot of people who support football are the poorest." Frickleton made the 6500-mile journey to Cape Town 45 years ago and hasn't looked back since.

Indiscipline He said: "I moved to South Africa in 1964 when East Stirling were relegated from the First Division and I played for one of the top teams, Highlands Park.

"I then coached various side but I'm 71 now so just stick to playing tennis.

"The professional league in South Africa only started about two or three years before I arrived and there was segregation - whites and blacks played separately.

"The standard of football and living were good and although the game was part-time the club got you a job." But Frickleton could have made his name on a much bigger stage if it hadn't been for indiscipline in his early days..

He revealed: "When I was 17 I signed for Rangers in an era when guys like Alex Scott, Willie Henderson and Jimmy Walker were there.

"I was loaned out to Armadale where everything was going okay and I was playing up front.

"Then the chairman Gavin Dunn insisted on me playing at No.3 and I didn't like it so told him to stick his team up his a***. He banned me sine die because I tried to hit him.

"That was a big blunder because Rangers were very strict and the manager Scot Symon released me.

"I joined Clydebank then East Stirling where we won promotion to the First Division.

"But we weren't good enough to stay up and, knowing I'd have to get a job, I decided to try my luck in South Africa. I have never looked back.

"I'd never have thought all those years ago South Africa would one day host the World Cup but the people are working hard. They are sorting the stadiums and I'm sure it will be great."