Playoff saga we can do without

ONCE upon a time sports contests were only decided at a specific time and location selected for that specific occasion.

The contest was designed to enforce a competitive spirit while also forging sportsmanship, not forgetting the entertainment and the recreational aspects for the spectator.

This, to an extent, still happens in all codes and in other countries.

But if one were to toss a look at the shenanigans playing out in Eastern Cape Motsepe League one would scratch one’s head in confusion.

The issue at hand is the saga between EC Bees and Future Tigers who are locked in a bitter feud over the right to represent the province at the promotional playoffs to play in the First National Division, scheduled to be held in East London from June 4.

Tigers have lodged a number of grievances after Bees beat them on the final day of the league to take top honours.

But, in a twist, Safa acted against Bees for fielding an improperly registered player in one of their games – docking them three points, which meant Tigers then finished as the league winners.

So, the real Eastern Cape champs will only be decided today when the arbitration award comes out.

The matter is now in the hands of the mother body and they have promised to resolve the issue before the playoffs kick-off.

While we do not want to cast aspersions on the case, that in legal terms is still sub judice, deciding sport contests in the boardroom is worrying.

But, then again, one cannot blame either side for taking steps if they feel aggrieved by the circumstances surrounding their inability to secure the much soughtafter playoff berth.

After all, while sport fosters competition it also frowns upon cheating or using underhand tactics to gain an upper hand.

For example, we cannot emphasise the scourge of doping cases hard enough.

And while it is distasteful to win matches in the boardroom, one can also argue that, as custodians of football in the country, Safa are fully following their mandate.

But still, this ongoing impasse leaves a bitter taste especially to those who feel that sporting contests are all about the ability to outwit opposition in a designated venue of competition.

Naysayers may be tempted to apportion the blame on the financial incentives accompanying participation in football, especially in the Premier Soccer League (PSL).

PSL chairman Irvin Khoza has boasted about the league being the richest in Africa, and that remark alone has led to clubs trying to get on the gravy train at any cost.

While Safa’s decision will be \awaited with bated breath, it is time they stop treating the symptom before attending to the disease.

Otherwise the very essence of sport contests will fly out of the window.