Ange & the Boss: Puskas in Australia

Ange & the Boss: Puskas in Australia"' is a feature-length documentary, released on the 17th of March 2025 and directed by Cam Fink, Rob Heath and Tony Wilson. I am not sure why the three of them are all credited as Director, but it doesn't matter really. They also made another sports documentary called "The Galahs" in 2016, I am sure that is not a pun.

The film is a low-budget community-grade documentary, which kicks off with a game, featuring Hungary versus England, where Puskas was an attacking forward, scoring goals and beating the English national side. This is followed by a series of testimonials where the audience is told that Puskas was an international A-grade player as good as Pele or Maradonna. Puskas also played for Real Madrid in the 50's and 60's in Spain and in the European Championship, he was the real deal. Which begs the question, what was he doing in South Melbourne in the 90's? You will have to watch the film to find out.

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Really enjoyed it. Non football fans can also enjoy it. It is as much about immigration and the sense of community as it is about the game. The bond shared by those arriving in a new place by keeping their community alive through these small clubs and all the highs and lows that go with it.

Almost unfathomable that a living legend and all his achievements in the game pitches up down under and the surrealism for the players and fans having this icon appear so approachable. If what you did in the game and how you played it are still up for discussion 70 odd years since you did it....that tells its own story. Plenty chances to be awed by his talents and plenty chances to laugh at the team spirit with him and his players

If you get the chance to see it, take it.

Ange & The Boss: Puskas in Australia, that's right, global football (soccer) icon and legendary player Ferenc Puskas once upon a time coached South Melbourne Football Club, the Oceania Club of the Century, to a national soccer league championship! I was aware this film was in the making for many years and my word did it deliver. Entertaining, endearing and funny throughout!

Thank you to the filmmakers Cameron Fink, Tony Wilson and Robert Heath in creating such a brilliant and high quality piece that captures this era and that also provides a glimpse into Australian immigration in the 1950s-1970s period.

To anyone reading, it may be a while before you can easily see this film, but if the opportunity presents itself (screening or streaming), just like Ferenc receiving a well timed through ball in the penalty area, make sure you take the opportunity (to watch it), your soul and mood will be better for it, and you would've learnt a lot more about Australian football and its rich migration story.

Some might say, the Australian sports documentary of the century.

Five stars from me.

*****