Tuesday 16 June 2009

1975 Rowdies

I've recently just found out some information regarding three players that played for the Rowdies during their 1975 indoor Tournaments.

The most well-known was Antônio Lima dos Santos or as he was known in Brazil "Lima", and brother-in-law and former teammate of international superstar "Pele". "Lima" played 696 games for Santos, one of Brazil's most famous clubs, and logged up 25 games for the Brazilian national side. He was part of their 1966 World Cup squad.
In 1975, he was 32, and on loan from Jaliesco of Guadalajara, Mexico and played in a defensive role.
Second was Javier Alvarez, 27. He was a forward, formerly with Nexaca, a first division team from Mexico City. Two years before he joined the Rowdies, he had been idle, but whipped himself into shape by working out with his old teammates, and then joining the St. Petersburg Kickers of the Suncoast Soccer League. Javier and his wife were Tampa residents at the time, he was first noticed at a Rowdies tryout camp.
Finally, Zygmunt "Ziggy" Lezak, a 30-year old star of the Arkonia team, of Poland's second division. At the time Polish players weren't allowed to leave their country until the age of 30. Ziggy immediately went to New York, to play for the Polonia Club, from which he joined the Rowdies on loan. He was an accurate shooter with speed. He appeared in 2 games, and scored 4 goals.
If anyone knows the whereabouts of these three players, please email me. Thanks.

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