Independiente finished second in both of Argentina's league competitions in 2068, in a season that was very much a case of "so close, yet so far." But manager Trebor Mahtal, now 84, chose to remain positive, especially given the high amount of potential at the club.
Alphabet Challenge | Part 49, Club 24 | Joining An Argentinian Giant
After 18 months in Chile, Trebor Mahtal led Colo Colo to a dominant title success in 2067, which left him with 5 more letters to tick off his Alphabet Challenge: D, H, I, K and X. The biggest headaches were K and X, albeit the unlocking of Japan opened up more options for K.
Alphabet Challenge | Part 48, Club 23 | An Uncharacteristic Reliance On Older Players
Three years in Japan ended on a high as Trebor Mahtal led Gamba Osaka to a maiden Asian Champions League Final success. That left the 82-year-old needing to tick off six more letters in his bid to complete his Alphabet Challenge: C, D, H, I, K and X.
Alphabet Challenge | Part 47, Club 22 | Superstar Goalkeeper Inspires Continental Success
Trebor Mahtal came within one penalty kick of ticking G off his Alphabet Challenge, only to see his Gamba Osaka painfully lose the J.League Cup in a penalty shootout. He took a bit of time away from football and spent the winter break refocusing on how to continue improving his exciting young squad ahead of his third full season in Japan.
Alphabet Challenge | Part 46, Club 22 | Asian Champions League and a Cup Final
An exciting young Gamba Osaka team, led by a mass of outstanding homegrown talents, booked the club's place in the AFC Champions League for the first time in 28 years in 2064. Manager Trebor Mahtal now faced the challenge of strengthening his inexperienced squad for even more fixtures as they balanced domestic and continental football towards the end of the league campaign.
Alphabet Challenge | Part 45, Club 22 | Tapping Into Gamba Potential
Six months in Japan had seen Trebor Mahtal successfully steer Gamba Osaka well clear of any relegation concerns while flooding some of the club's promising youngsters. His big challenge now was to strengthen the squad to compete with Japan's best.
Alphabet Challenge | Part 44, Club 22 | Standing Firm In Japanese Relegation Battle
Unexpected Premier League success with Fulham meant Trebor Mahtal was on the move quicker than expected. The 79-year-old Zambian went in search of his 22nd club fresh from ticking off the 19th letter from his Alphabet Challenge. That meant the letters now eluding him were: C, D, G, H, I, K and X. Upon resigning,... Continue Reading →
Alphabet Challenge | Part 43, Club 21 | Fulham Shock England’s Elite
Fulham enjoyed a solid start under Trebor Mahtal, finishing the 2061/62 season strongly to come home 9th in the Premier League. But the Zambian's savvy transfer business delivered delayed benefits ahead of his second campaign at London's oldest club. Indeed, Fulham turned a £709m profit in the current FFP period and a £194m profit over... Continue Reading →
Alphabet Challenge | Part 42, Club 21 | A Slightly Overzealous Firesale
A four-year stint in Scotland ended with Trebor Mahtal leading an exciting young Queen's Park team to their first domestic title in 194 years of existence. That left Mahtal with just nine more letters to tick off in his Alphabet Challenge: C, D, F, G, H, I, K and X.
Alphabet Challenge | Part 41, Club 20 | 17-Year-Old Superstar Inspires Historic Season
Zambian manager Trebor Mahtal wasn't getting any younger, so a long stay in Scotland wasn't exactly at the top of his list of objectives as he aimed to tick off the 18th letter of his Alphabet Challenge. Yet, for just the second time in his career, the 76-year-old began a fourth season at a club as he extended his stay at Scotland's oldest club Queen's Park.
