We turn on coaches, why not politicians?

WHEN Bafana Bafana perform dismally, fans can be seen baying for the coach’s blood.

Heyneke Meyer will most likely lose his position as the country’s rugby coach, as the Springboks sank to an alltime low with losses against Argentina and Japan this year (though the win against Samoa just may save him).

The point being, when fans feel that the person at the helm has fielded a mediocre team, or players lacking ability, or even players not chosen on merit, we as a sports-loving nation are very quick to criticise!

In our no-holds-barred criticism, even our sports minister went on to refer to our national football team as a bunch of losers.

Is our love for sport greater than our love for our country? Why is our criticism lacking when we see the blatant abuse of power in government?

This is a country in crisis. Sadly, even ANC stalwarts prefer turning a blind eye, and their only comment is that the organisation is not about individuals.

These were people who were imprisoned for their undying beliefs in a free and fair South Africa, yet it seems that mediocrity has suddenly become acceptable.

Remember, April 27, 1994 The ANC slogan for our first democratic election was, “sekunjalo ke nako”. Indeed, “The time is now”, because if we do not stand up and speak out now, we will have only ourselves to blame for a country that is lost to greed and corruption in the future. RIKESH ISHWARLALL

Pietermaritzburg