Garrincha’s Dog

FK Belasica are rock-bottom of the much-overlooked Macedonian First League. The club’s precarious position on the trapdoor to the division below - which may be overlooked even in Macedonia - is far less interesting than their badge.

You’ll see that it’s constructed in a traditional sort of fashion: there’s a shield with a black and white football, and a scroll at the bottom, emblazoned with the year the club came kicking and screaming into the world.

Now, let’s have a look at the full badge.

Although I’ve never met one in the flesh, I know what a kangaroo looks like. And that is definitely a kangaroo. What it’s doing there is much less obvious.

I Googled for the answer, but to no avail. The BBC News country guide lists Macedonian exports as clothing, iron and steel; there’s nothing marsupial-related. Maybe they’re keeping all the good stuff for themselves.

So, unless Skippy is a totem of football excellence in the east, what’s the story? I’ve e-mailed the club (in English of course). If they reply, I’ll let you know.