Culture: Brazilian legends, Roberto Carlos and Julio Baptista in Zimbabwe

In their efforts to present Zimbabwe as a safe tourism destination under the national perception management project, the Zimbabwe Tourism Authority has welcomed two ex-superstars of the game into the country. Roberto Carlos and Baptista were expected to alight in the South African nation on Thursday, 03 May 2018.

"The World Class Legends visit to the destination is a sports tourism initiative to promote Brand Zimbabwe. The World Class Legends CEO Rayco Garcia, former Brazilian and Real Madrid left-back Roberto Carlos and Julio Baptista arrive at Robert Mugabe International Airport at 1715hrs aboard Emirates. A press conference will follow thereafter at Meikles Hotel at 1800hrs." - Zimbabwe Tourism Authority

Roberto Carlos da Silva Rocha made a name for himself from mid-1990 to mid-2005 appearing for Spanish giants, Real Madrid - where he spent eleven seasons. He scored 71 goals from the left-back position and won four La Liga titles and three Uefa Champions League trophies. He was best known for his stamina, speed, strength and bending free-kicks going as high as 169 km/hr. His world cup winning teammate, Júlio César Clemente Baptista, nicknamed the beast played for Major League Soccer Side, Orlando City SC, Sao Paulo, Sevilla and successfully transferred to Real Madrid. The forward also spent some time at Arsenal on loan and at Roma.

Zimbabwe has previously brought Barcelona legends to play the National team legends in November 2017.