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One Football, No Nets
In September 2017, amateur British football coach Justin Walley became the “National Team” Manager of Matabeleland, an obscure international team in western Zimbabwe. Before him lay the seemingly impossible task of taking his group of unknown amateur footballers from an impoverished region of Africa to the “alternative world cup” – the CONIFA World Football Cup in London, the following summer. All that stood in his way was the small matter of no money, no resources, no salary, no visas, and no sponsors. There was one football, though… but no goal nets. One Football, No Nets tells of one man’s leap of faith into the unknown, swapping life with his girlfriend and a third division football team in Eastern Europe for international football management in Africa. It was to be a journey that would take Walley through the toppling of President Robert Mugabe, a collapsing financial system, and travelling to away games in rural Africa with 17 players in one pickup truck. And, oh yes, Liverpool legend Bruce Grobbelaar becomes Walley’s goalkeeping coach after a meeting at an M6 motorway service station. And just when Walley thought his adventure could not get stranger or more surreal, he fulfilled the lifelong dream of playing international football at the age of 47, was accused of being a Kremlin spy, became a mini-celebrity on Russian TV, and was announced as the new foreign brand ambassador for Tatarstan. One Football, No Nets is the extraordinary story of one man chasing his dream of changing the world through football, and of one day becoming an international football manager. Reviews “Both a compelling personal journey and a lively, touching love letter to the pure spirit of football, packed with incident and never dull.” Stuart Maconie, Radio DJ and popular culture critic. "Matabeleland's struggle against fearsome odds to get to the 2018 CONIFA World Cup in London gets the fuller coverage it merits in a compelling diary from team coach Justin Walley." When Saturday Comes "I recommend this; not your usual anodyne football book" Brian Moore, former World Rugby Player of the Year and England international, presenter and pundit. "A cracking story and one that features the power of football and friendship on the journey. Walley tells it well ... he even persuades Liverpool legend Bruce Grobbelaar to become the Matabeleland goalkeeping coach at an M6 service station." Late Tackle magazine
- GenresSports
361 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 5, 2018
About the author
Justin Walley
1 book3 followersJustin Walley published his first book in December 2018 telling of his time as the 'national team football manager' of Matabeleland in southern Africa.
Travel and football are Justin's great passions. He has travelled to more than 125 countries, coached in Zimbabwe, Latvia and Sierra Leone, and attended 6 World Cups, 6 European Championships and 2 Copa Americas.
During his travels, Justin has been evacuated from Bolivia and Indonesia, been stung by a scorpion in Tanzania, and was in Zimbabwe during the downfall of Robert Mugabe. In 2010 he cycled and hitchhiked from Kenya to South Africa in support of a project highlighting refugee concerns for the Norwegian Refugee Council and the UNHCR.
Justin's travel highlights include witnessing a total eclipse in the Faroe Islands, swimming with Bio-luminescent Plankton in Panama and crossing both Russia and Canada by train.
His football highlights include an afternoon spent with George Best, making his international playing debut in his 40s, and leading Matabeleland to the CONIFA World Football Cup in London.
Today Justin is the Africa President of CONIFA, the Brand Ambassador for Visit Tatarstan, Honorary President of Wakefield United, and Co-founder of Riga United.
Travel and football are Justin's great passions. He has travelled to more than 125 countries, coached in Zimbabwe, Latvia and Sierra Leone, and attended 6 World Cups, 6 European Championships and 2 Copa Americas.
During his travels, Justin has been evacuated from Bolivia and Indonesia, been stung by a scorpion in Tanzania, and was in Zimbabwe during the downfall of Robert Mugabe. In 2010 he cycled and hitchhiked from Kenya to South Africa in support of a project highlighting refugee concerns for the Norwegian Refugee Council and the UNHCR.
Justin's travel highlights include witnessing a total eclipse in the Faroe Islands, swimming with Bio-luminescent Plankton in Panama and crossing both Russia and Canada by train.
His football highlights include an afternoon spent with George Best, making his international playing debut in his 40s, and leading Matabeleland to the CONIFA World Football Cup in London.
Today Justin is the Africa President of CONIFA, the Brand Ambassador for Visit Tatarstan, Honorary President of Wakefield United, and Co-founder of Riga United.
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Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews
June 18, 2023
Finally got round to reading and finishing this incredible book! What a journey and adventure! I got second hand stress and anxiety just reading it, but it is such an inspirational and motivating book.
The detail of his journey, the hardships (and there were many), the difficult, the outrage strange and worry, but all worth it ultimately for the unbridled joy and sensation for what they accomplished.
The detail of his journey, the hardships (and there were many), the difficult, the outrage strange and worry, but all worth it ultimately for the unbridled joy and sensation for what they accomplished.
January 10, 2019
An honest and open account of one mans aspiring dream to be an International Football manger, become true. An inspiring story of hard work, following Justin Walleys adventures both on and off the pitch as he travels to South Africa, England, eastern Europe and Russia.
Whether you need to evade the authorities of an awful regime, manage a Nation (and take them to a World Cup), Coach with little or no equipment, raise a mountain of cash, Walley proves you can do it all, and more.
A true story of joy and heartbreak, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
Whether you need to evade the authorities of an awful regime, manage a Nation (and take them to a World Cup), Coach with little or no equipment, raise a mountain of cash, Walley proves you can do it all, and more.
A true story of joy and heartbreak, a thoroughly enjoyable read.
January 8, 2023
CARTOON CLOUDS AND CHOCOLATE HILLS - A BOOK REVIEW OF ONE FOOTBALL NO NETS by Justin WALLEY
As a fan of travel, football and having a sense of adventure, I thought this book would suit and I have to say, Justin’s fantastic book exceeded all expectations.
Read in just three days, I excitingly devoured the tale of one man’s extraordinary adventure of trying to take Matabeleland to the CONIFA World Cup finals in London. The title of the book provides some indication of the difficulties encountered but you feel every twist of fate like a pothole in the road. The time and dedication that Justin and his fellow coaches put into the project is clear but it is the warmth and humanity, the gentle writing style that paints a thousand portraits, all vivid and descriptive, the infectious smiles of his players and the genuineness of the other people in the western part of Zimbabwe that the reader feels truly part of the trip.
Make no mistake, this story does not dwell on those difficulties. It is a positive example of what can be achieved through dedication, perseverance and the kindness of strangers and friends. Justin stands by his philosophy of “To make the invisible visible, you have to imagine it and believe it first” (page 120) and the book follows those twists and turns and unforeseen obstacles, all set to the background of a civil war played out at the end of the RM regime in Zimbabwe.
Many readers may have experience of difficult border crossings, visa problems, the seemingly impossible unknowing of having to queue all day for access to money or food and Justin writes with a realism that portrays these frustrations in a matter of fact way, there is no judgement and little moaning. There is the football side of getting to games in overcrowded 4x4 vehicles, referees turning up late, broken promises (lots of these) and the lads ignoring the manager’s instructions followed by the emotions of games and trying to get to the tournament where all of the above is multiplied into an explosive concoction of doubt, mistrust, racing against the clock and shattering illusions of so many hopes and dreams. The ultimate underdog story and a must for any football fan or wannabe adventurer.
Justin talks of his experience of ignoring foreign office advice and seeing for yourself. I echo this sentiment. Believe nothing. He writes “There is no better sense of understanding how good a team is than playing in it (page 45)” just as there is no better way to see a country or region that going there and experiencing it for yourself. I always feel the mark of a good travel book is to strike a match of desire to travel yourself. This book does exactly that and for that, Justin, I’m very grateful.
I was lucky enough to write to Justin and he is a brilliant man always willing to help and respond to messages and I’d like to thank him and give him encouragement to keep going, ignore the likes of twitter handle SFN as those people will always try and put you down. Focus on the positive. Write your book of gratitude as, you write yourself, “If you write things down, then you begin the process to enable them to happen. As Victor Hugo said: Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come (page 47)”. Life is an adventure and if you are planning your next one, then there is no better way to whet the appetite than read this excellent, heart-warming and uplifting book.
It reminds me to stay focussed and positive, not let life get you too down and enjoy yourself. It is a reminder that “Failure offers us the opportunity to look for new solutions (page 99)” and to make the most of any opportunity that comes your way. Follow your own path. It is a useful reminder, in life and in work, that “Sometimes you need a change of environment such as this to discuss the important things in life (page 107)” and sometimes a change of scenery or viewing from a different angle might just lead to an unforeseen reward. Pack your bags. Chase your own rainbow. Where will your path lead you?
The selfless dedication shown by Justin is evidence that “Sometimes, helping others gives you more pleasure than helping yourself (page 187)” and by helping the Matabeleland players, some of whom have since joined clubs in Zimbabwe, the book brought a smile to my face as wide as those happy footballers from a place I had never registered as knowing. CONIFA is a brilliant concept and I look forward to attending fixtures at the next CONIFA World Cup in 2024.
As an added bonus, Justin includes his time attending the 2018 World Cup in Russia, which is a short story in itself, but it is the search for relief, seeking justification of all that he went through, the joys and emotions of live sport and real lives, the sincerity, truth, brutal honesty, famous faces, kind souls (both familiar and strangers and the unexpected twists and turns) that such connections these paths can lead. There is also a tremendous lady called Ethel and we all need a person like this on our travelling adventures. I have my own, read the book and find your own Ethel.
A quick thanks also to the publisher, Bennion Kearny, for being brave enough to publish a book like this and for helping aspiring authors make their own connections in a highly-competitive industry. Keep on making dreams come true.
Finally, thanks again to Justin for writing the book and sharing such an inspiring story. Thoroughly recommended.
As a fan of travel, football and having a sense of adventure, I thought this book would suit and I have to say, Justin’s fantastic book exceeded all expectations.
Read in just three days, I excitingly devoured the tale of one man’s extraordinary adventure of trying to take Matabeleland to the CONIFA World Cup finals in London. The title of the book provides some indication of the difficulties encountered but you feel every twist of fate like a pothole in the road. The time and dedication that Justin and his fellow coaches put into the project is clear but it is the warmth and humanity, the gentle writing style that paints a thousand portraits, all vivid and descriptive, the infectious smiles of his players and the genuineness of the other people in the western part of Zimbabwe that the reader feels truly part of the trip.
Make no mistake, this story does not dwell on those difficulties. It is a positive example of what can be achieved through dedication, perseverance and the kindness of strangers and friends. Justin stands by his philosophy of “To make the invisible visible, you have to imagine it and believe it first” (page 120) and the book follows those twists and turns and unforeseen obstacles, all set to the background of a civil war played out at the end of the RM regime in Zimbabwe.
Many readers may have experience of difficult border crossings, visa problems, the seemingly impossible unknowing of having to queue all day for access to money or food and Justin writes with a realism that portrays these frustrations in a matter of fact way, there is no judgement and little moaning. There is the football side of getting to games in overcrowded 4x4 vehicles, referees turning up late, broken promises (lots of these) and the lads ignoring the manager’s instructions followed by the emotions of games and trying to get to the tournament where all of the above is multiplied into an explosive concoction of doubt, mistrust, racing against the clock and shattering illusions of so many hopes and dreams. The ultimate underdog story and a must for any football fan or wannabe adventurer.
Justin talks of his experience of ignoring foreign office advice and seeing for yourself. I echo this sentiment. Believe nothing. He writes “There is no better sense of understanding how good a team is than playing in it (page 45)” just as there is no better way to see a country or region that going there and experiencing it for yourself. I always feel the mark of a good travel book is to strike a match of desire to travel yourself. This book does exactly that and for that, Justin, I’m very grateful.
I was lucky enough to write to Justin and he is a brilliant man always willing to help and respond to messages and I’d like to thank him and give him encouragement to keep going, ignore the likes of twitter handle SFN as those people will always try and put you down. Focus on the positive. Write your book of gratitude as, you write yourself, “If you write things down, then you begin the process to enable them to happen. As Victor Hugo said: Nothing is more powerful than an idea whose time has come (page 47)”. Life is an adventure and if you are planning your next one, then there is no better way to whet the appetite than read this excellent, heart-warming and uplifting book.
It reminds me to stay focussed and positive, not let life get you too down and enjoy yourself. It is a reminder that “Failure offers us the opportunity to look for new solutions (page 99)” and to make the most of any opportunity that comes your way. Follow your own path. It is a useful reminder, in life and in work, that “Sometimes you need a change of environment such as this to discuss the important things in life (page 107)” and sometimes a change of scenery or viewing from a different angle might just lead to an unforeseen reward. Pack your bags. Chase your own rainbow. Where will your path lead you?
The selfless dedication shown by Justin is evidence that “Sometimes, helping others gives you more pleasure than helping yourself (page 187)” and by helping the Matabeleland players, some of whom have since joined clubs in Zimbabwe, the book brought a smile to my face as wide as those happy footballers from a place I had never registered as knowing. CONIFA is a brilliant concept and I look forward to attending fixtures at the next CONIFA World Cup in 2024.
As an added bonus, Justin includes his time attending the 2018 World Cup in Russia, which is a short story in itself, but it is the search for relief, seeking justification of all that he went through, the joys and emotions of live sport and real lives, the sincerity, truth, brutal honesty, famous faces, kind souls (both familiar and strangers and the unexpected twists and turns) that such connections these paths can lead. There is also a tremendous lady called Ethel and we all need a person like this on our travelling adventures. I have my own, read the book and find your own Ethel.
A quick thanks also to the publisher, Bennion Kearny, for being brave enough to publish a book like this and for helping aspiring authors make their own connections in a highly-competitive industry. Keep on making dreams come true.
Finally, thanks again to Justin for writing the book and sharing such an inspiring story. Thoroughly recommended.
December 11, 2018
I first became aware of Justin and the Matabeleland football team back in February and having Googled a little deeper, learnt all about the Matabeleland region and the funds needed to get this team to the Conifa World Football Cup. The book is brilliantly written and gives an insight into the struggles of daily life in Zimbabwe during the last few months of Robert Mugabe leadership with Justin trying and finally fulfilling his wish to manage the Matabeleland football team in London. The book takes you through the whole journey from start to finish in a day by day account which really gives you an insight into how much hard work went into getting the team on a plane to the UK. Justin writes with honesty and humour and you really get a glimpse of what life as a football coach is like, though he is much more than this as you will soon get to learn. If you love books about smaller teams (who are after all 99% of what the beautiful game is all about) then this is the book for you.
January 2, 2019
Dreams. Friendship. Doubt. Pride. Loss. Dignity. Sweat. Support. Trust. Dissapointment. Passion. Hopes. Teamwork. Victory.
Breathtaking kaleidoscope that I found in One Football, No Nets.
All-or-nothing love for the beautiful game.
Firstly, thanks to this book I've learnt about CONIFA & its World Cup and was guided into the world of football unknown before, the football that builds bridges between people all over the world. I think this is a kind of educational purpose that the author hit. It was interesting to discover a bit of the backstage of football life for a not quite football person.
The plot keeps at the edge of the seat from first pages and puts in the centre of the action. The impression of being there is just inevitable and I loved that so much. At the moment beginning with visa decline it began feeling like walking on thin ice, the intensity of emotions so high, loved that. My eyes were gobbling up the letters and words to finally learn the result))
I love a lot that the book is without the fluff and bla-bla things. And Justin Walley's special sense of humor made the book easy and so nice to read. I also love his observations describing specific cultural peculiarities of Zimbabwe and Russia)
This book is not about football only, but about following our dreams, not giving up in tough moments and staying true to our paths. It's Justin Walley's inspiring recipe of making impossible mission come true.
Definitely great and worth reading!
Recommended not only for football fans! Impressive and massive!
Breathtaking kaleidoscope that I found in One Football, No Nets.
All-or-nothing love for the beautiful game.
Firstly, thanks to this book I've learnt about CONIFA & its World Cup and was guided into the world of football unknown before, the football that builds bridges between people all over the world. I think this is a kind of educational purpose that the author hit. It was interesting to discover a bit of the backstage of football life for a not quite football person.
The plot keeps at the edge of the seat from first pages and puts in the centre of the action. The impression of being there is just inevitable and I loved that so much. At the moment beginning with visa decline it began feeling like walking on thin ice, the intensity of emotions so high, loved that. My eyes were gobbling up the letters and words to finally learn the result))
I love a lot that the book is without the fluff and bla-bla things. And Justin Walley's special sense of humor made the book easy and so nice to read. I also love his observations describing specific cultural peculiarities of Zimbabwe and Russia)
This book is not about football only, but about following our dreams, not giving up in tough moments and staying true to our paths. It's Justin Walley's inspiring recipe of making impossible mission come true.
Definitely great and worth reading!
Recommended not only for football fans! Impressive and massive!
February 6, 2019
Really enjoyed this book. Justin has a natural writing style and his insight into life in Zimbabwe whilst managing Matabeleland was incredible. A must read for any football fan!
January 23, 2019
An inspirational log about Justin’s tireless efforts to take on the seemingly impossible task of getting a group of unprivileged young men from Matabeleland to fulfil their dreams of competing at the CONIFA World Cup.
Aside from the excellent football content, it was fascinating to read of the economic and political aspects of Zimbabwe and Russia, which present an alternative view to the mainstream British media.
Honest and entertaining throughout, this is a must-read for any football fan. I’d also recommend for anyone stuck in a rut and wanting to read an inspiring story demonstrating some of the more unusual opportunities the world has on offer.
Aside from the excellent football content, it was fascinating to read of the economic and political aspects of Zimbabwe and Russia, which present an alternative view to the mainstream British media.
Honest and entertaining throughout, this is a must-read for any football fan. I’d also recommend for anyone stuck in a rut and wanting to read an inspiring story demonstrating some of the more unusual opportunities the world has on offer.
April 10, 2019
This book is reviewed for The Two Unfortunates here.
June 24, 2019
An amazing story about a football coach’s journey to Zimbabwe, and taking on the role of national team coach of Matabeleland. Not only a great story, but one that is well told. A really captivating read for all followers of the beautiful game, I cannot recommend it highly enough!
August 3, 2019
"Gratitude. Be grateful for what you have. So many people aren`t. They moan and complain and always want more, forgetting all that they already have. I wish all those living in our throwaway culture would live somewhere with limited resources for a while. Be grateful for your doctors and nurses, roads, lights, clean water, heating, electricity, absurd choice of food, a myriad of entertainment options, cheap and affordable flights to anywhere in Europe. Be grateful for your bank card that allows to pull cash out of an ATM. Be grateful for your passport! And, most of all, be grateful for all the love and friendship in your life."
"How do you develop something? Aim low and work upwards."
"I`m not sure why I have that thought. Ir`s possibly bullshit like when you think you have fallen in love with someone new, but a week later the very idea is absurd."
"How do you develop something? Aim low and work upwards."
"I`m not sure why I have that thought. Ir`s possibly bullshit like when you think you have fallen in love with someone new, but a week later the very idea is absurd."
Read
April 3, 2020I am a football fan. If you are a football fan you will love this book. A story if triumph over adversity just to get Matabeleland to the Conifa World Cup finals.
Having a team in Sierra Leone i can identify totally with Africa time as described in the book and the frustrations of the continent. if you dont love this story of one man and a battle against overwhelming odds you must have a heart of stone.
Justin captures the highs and the lows of a campaign to give the young players of Matabeleland a trip of a lifetime.I attended the game Bruce Grobelaar played in and the players and fans lit up the day exactly as described in the book.
Go on get a copy you wont be disappointed
Having a team in Sierra Leone i can identify totally with Africa time as described in the book and the frustrations of the continent. if you dont love this story of one man and a battle against overwhelming odds you must have a heart of stone.
Justin captures the highs and the lows of a campaign to give the young players of Matabeleland a trip of a lifetime.I attended the game Bruce Grobelaar played in and the players and fans lit up the day exactly as described in the book.
Go on get a copy you wont be disappointed
January 22, 2020
Awesome read for anyone who shares the author's love of football and travel/culture.
You feel truly invested in the amazing project Justin undertakes... and he combines a great story with a healthy dose of heart-warming humanity.
Brilliantly written, conveying the stress and the joy of achieving something really special through talent, hard work and sheer bloody-mindedness
One of the best football books I've ever read, this is a book with broad appeal, and I'd recommend to non-football fans too.
You feel truly invested in the amazing project Justin undertakes... and he combines a great story with a healthy dose of heart-warming humanity.
Brilliantly written, conveying the stress and the joy of achieving something really special through talent, hard work and sheer bloody-mindedness
One of the best football books I've ever read, this is a book with broad appeal, and I'd recommend to non-football fans too.
July 11, 2020
I really enjoyed this from start to finish. It's well written and funny, and it's easy to engage with Justin Walley and his team even though their world is so different from mine. A book about football and travel is always likely to appeal to me, but this one also brings some interesting and unexpected insights into political turmoil and cultures that I'm unfamiliar with.
And it also proves that sometimes, if you set your sights high, you really can achieve something amazing against all the odds. Great job Justin!
And it also proves that sometimes, if you set your sights high, you really can achieve something amazing against all the odds. Great job Justin!
November 20, 2020
For football lovers everywhere, particularly if you're interested in the quirkier aspects of football,rather than the PL or Champions League franchises. Justin shows us the hard graft in bringing a team up to scratch in a rarely visited part of the world- Matabeleland-& then endeavours to take that team to London. It even includes a player everyone will have heard of!
April 26, 2021
Loved the story, amazed by the dedication, great writing style and easy to read. Great book for any football fan .. 5 Star
May 12, 2026
The story itself was super interesting, and offers some cool insights into the challenges of amateur football in Zimbabwe. This, and the whole CONIFA experience, offers a real contrast to the corporate clubs millionaire players that dominate the professional game.
Personally I wasn't a big fan of the writing style; it was essentially a reprint of the author's diary. You get a lot of stream of consciousness stuff, and the author clearly prides himself on not sanitizing his opinions. So you get a bunch of critiques of mainstream media, for example. At one point the author describes a group of Japanese tourists as "Japs" which was very off-putting.
I also wish we'd learned more about the players themselves. Most are very thin characters; we get their name (usually their nickname) and a bit on their playing style, but that's it. This would have made the story of their journey to London even richer, in my opinion.
Quibbles aside, this was an enjoyable and uplifting story.
Personally I wasn't a big fan of the writing style; it was essentially a reprint of the author's diary. You get a lot of stream of consciousness stuff, and the author clearly prides himself on not sanitizing his opinions. So you get a bunch of critiques of mainstream media, for example. At one point the author describes a group of Japanese tourists as "Japs" which was very off-putting.
I also wish we'd learned more about the players themselves. Most are very thin characters; we get their name (usually their nickname) and a bit on their playing style, but that's it. This would have made the story of their journey to London even richer, in my opinion.
Quibbles aside, this was an enjoyable and uplifting story.
April 23, 2026
Utterly compelling for any lover of football or travel
Rather naively I had no knowledge of CONIFA or any of the themes in this book but my word do I feel clued up after reading this.
Justin takes us on a journey, not just a footballing one, but a journey of self discovery. The story is compelling and would seem truly unbelievable if it weren't so clearly true!
Even the final section at the Russian World Cup, it didn't feel like it should fit with the rest of the book, yet it ties in so perfectly.
Justin Walley leads anything but a boring life and I for one am glad he has chosen to document this
Rather naively I had no knowledge of CONIFA or any of the themes in this book but my word do I feel clued up after reading this.
Justin takes us on a journey, not just a footballing one, but a journey of self discovery. The story is compelling and would seem truly unbelievable if it weren't so clearly true!
Even the final section at the Russian World Cup, it didn't feel like it should fit with the rest of the book, yet it ties in so perfectly.
Justin Walley leads anything but a boring life and I for one am glad he has chosen to document this
September 6, 2021
A bit too much author feeling to get 4 stars but worth a read
April 14, 2024
Fantastic book about one man's desire to become an International Football Manager. Justin's journey takes him to Bulawayo in Zimbabwe, his mission is to set up the Matabeleland national team and take them to London for the 2018 Conifa World Football Cup.
The book is a true journey of emotions both high and low, political upheaval, the constant struggle for funding and the task of receiving all the relevant documentation, the formation and training of the Minnow Nations football team.
A truly inspirational read that very much has you feeling the emotions the author went through as you read each compelling chapter.
The book is a true journey of emotions both high and low, political upheaval, the constant struggle for funding and the task of receiving all the relevant documentation, the formation and training of the Minnow Nations football team.
A truly inspirational read that very much has you feeling the emotions the author went through as you read each compelling chapter.
Displaying 1 - 19 of 19 reviews