Peace from Mandela's Words at Mohammad Taghavi's Dinner Party

Host: Mohammad Taghavi Guests: Parviz Dehdari, Zabihollah Mansouri, Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Diego Maradona, and Nelson Mandela Music: "Bet Chin" sung by Mohammad Reza Shajarian Dinner Menu: Chicken Tahchin This week's host is Mohammad Taghavi, a former Iranian football player who played as a right defender for about seven years at Esteghlal Tehran Football Club. He was invited to the national football team by Parviz Dehdari and played his first international match at the 1988 Asian Cup in Qatar, where Iran secured third place. He won the Iranian league title twice and the Hazfi Cup twice with Esteghlal. Mr. Taghavi is educated and is known for his ethics and politeness in football. He is originally from Mazandaran but currently lives in Birmingham, England, where he is undergoing coaching training and works as a football analyst for foreign media. Mr. Taghavi welcomed his guests, including Parviz Dehdari, Zabihollah Mansouri, Mohammad Reza Shajarian, Diego Maradona, and Nelson Mandela. He expressed his love for traditional Iranian music and chose the song "Bet Chin" by Shajarian for the evening, explaining that it holds a special place in his heart due to his experiences during the revolution and war. He reminisced about the first time he heard this music while studying in Tabriz, where it changed his perspective on life. He invited guests to enjoy the music, emphasizing its beauty and significance. The conversation then shifted to his guests, starting with Parviz Dehdari, whom he described as not just a football coach but a life coach who taught them valuable life lessons. He spoke about Dehdari's influence on his life and the discipline he instilled in his players. The discussion continued with Zabihollah Mansouri, a renowned journalist and translator, who inspired Taghavi to become a reader. Taghavi shared how Mansouri's books opened up the world of reading for him. The conversation then moved to Mohammad Reza Shajarian, whose music and support for the Iranian people during difficult times made him a significant figure in Taghavi's life. Taghavi expressed admiration for Shajarian's courage to stand with the people. The next guest was Diego Maradona, whom Taghavi regarded as a football legend whose unique talent could never be replicated. He reflected on Maradona's influence on his love for football and the memories of watching him play during the 1986 World Cup. The dinner party was a blend of sports, culture, and personal reflections, highlighting the importance of music, literature, and the figures who shaped Taghavi's life.