The television platform presents the documentary that tells the story of the Zambian national team’s recovery after a plane crash in which 18 players died.
The Zambian team’s story of overcoming the odds is still very much alive and well thanks to the inspirational documentary ‘Eighteam’, which will be available exclusively in 42 countries on the free Rakuten TV channel from October 29.
This multi-award winning documentary tells the 19-year story of the Zambian National Soccer Team’s resilience and perseverance after the catastrophic loss of the team members in a plane crash to win the African Cup in 2012.
The members of the up-and-coming Zambia lost their lives in a tragic plane crash.
In 1993, the African country was suddenly without its national team, the so-called ‘Chipolopolo’ (“copper bullets” in the Bemba language). All 18 members of the team lost their lives in a plane crash on their way to a FIFA World Cup qualifier against Senegal.
Due to the loss, Chipolopolo’s surviving captain Kalusha Bwalya, the rest of the team and the country rallied together to face the difficulties of rebuilding a winning team, culminating in an emotional 2012 Africa Cup of Nations triumph.
In a symbolic twist of fate, the victory came 18 years later, in the same country where the accident occurred and after a historic match settled in an 18 penalty shootout.
Eighteam is a documentary that shows that, despite adversity, anything is possible.
Directed by Juan Rodríguez-Briso and co-produced by Atlantia Media, the 70-minute film features testimonials from the players themselves, as well as iconic players and people who knew the team, as they recount their memories.
Interviewees include former Zambia national team captain Chris Katongo, former Zambia national team coach Herve Renard, former president of the Football Association of Zambia, Kalusha Bwalya, as well as players Ciro Ferrara, Mauro Tassoti and Sandro Mazzola, who Zambia shocked in the legendary 4-0 drubbing of Italy.
Eighteam is a documentary that shows that, despite adversity, you should never give up on yourself, your team and your dreams, because anything is possible, as long as you believe in yourself and have courage.
