I’m sorry Thulani, but Bafana and the nation need patriots, not crybabies
HOW could you turn your back on your country when Bafana Bafana so desperately need all hands on deck? Even goalkeeper Itumeleng Khune is prepared to use a facial mask if it means he still gets to put his body on the line.
In case you have just crawled out of a rock Thulani, the country’s No 1 collided with Chippa United’s Kurt Lentjies in the dying minutes of their Telkom Knockout quarter-final clash in Port Elizabeth on Sunday afternoon.
He’s been to see two specialists to determine the extent of his injury and it looks like he might well be ready. Everyone’s been guessing whether he is in our out.
But you have made your feelings known. You didn’t beat about the bush, Thulani, you went straight to the point.
“He wants guarantees that he will play if he joins the national team camp,” coach Stuart Baxter told us of your shenanigans this week. Wow. I have always known that you are a bit of an enfant terrible, but to make demands of this nature is a trashy attitude. You have taken all of us by surprise, even though we knew you had it in you.
I understand that you are disgruntled because you haven’t played a single minute of football in the time that Baxter has been in charge. But this is your disease, Thulani. It really has nothing to do with the coach.
Your talent alone enough.
If you think I am clutching at straws here, please feel free to send me a note. Remember that Gordon Igesund also confronted you when you pulled down your pants and let one rip in his direction? Apparently, you were more concerned is not about playing in an upcoming Champions League match against Barcelona instead of representing your country in 2014 World Cup qualifier against Botswana.
Igesund then proceeded to kick you out of the team hotel and insisted you apologise.
Then there was Shakes Mashaba, a father figure who nurtured your talent. You also showed him the middle finger.
So, we shouldn’t be surprised that Baxter was your next target. I am sorry, but someone has to say it: You, my friend, are not a patriot.
Tell me, which national player do you know of has successfully talked his way into the starting line-up? What are you saying to your teammates about their work ethic if the coach deems them fit and better for the job at hand than you?
I have personally observed your demeanour when you are in camp. Thulani, you are a crybaby. You sulk when you have to do interviews and you are constantly dragging your feet. Now you’ve gone and shown the coach your true colours.
It looks like you are going to do great things at Vitesse Arnhem this season, but without Bafana you will soon be a forgotten man. You’ve blown an incredible opportunity to be part of history should Bafana qualify for the World Cup by beating Senegal twice.
No aspiring Bafana player should ever follow this lousy example. We need patriots, not crybabies.