SA’s soccer reputation stained
Violence and the beautiful game seems to go hand-in-hand when Chiefs and Pirates lose a match
TO HONOUR Nelson Mandela’s centenary, we must embrace unity even when we have different soccer clubs, views or beliefs. The tragedy that transpired in Durban after the Kaizer Chiefs-Free State Stars game came as no surprise as we have been aware that Chiefs fans have been unhappy and frustrated about the coach’s performance and team’s results.
But, we cannot tolerate violence under any circumstances.
We are emphasising violence because this year is a distinctive one in our history, one in which we should be embracing peace, unity and tolerance in football.
This year presents an opportunity for South Africa and the world to remember the legacy of the great icon Madiba and to reflect on how we can make a meaningful contribution to promoting the ideals, principles and values he stood for, ideals that were informed by Africa’s quest for freedom and prosperity.
Madiba will always be the figure around whom men and women who are fighting for their rights will want to unite.
Yes, he is the reference point for those who continue their fight against racism, discrimination and all forms of intolerance and injustice.
A security guard was attacked and brutalised after Chiefs lost their Nedbank semi-final game to Stars. Fans became frustrated and angry, to the extent that they they attacked anyone in their space inside the field.
Broadcasting cameras were destroyed and several people injured.
Last July, two fans died and 15 others were injured, some critically, during a stampede outside FNB Stadium in Soweto where Chiefs played Orlando Pirates in the Carling Black Label Cup.
Meanwhile, South Africa’s tragic record of stadium disasters cannot be taken for granted – in 1965, 12 fans were crushed to death in a stampede at Park Station after the Soweto Derby between Orlando Pirates and Moroka Swallows.
In February 1991, 42 died after crowd violence sparked a stampede at a pre-season friendly between Pirates and Chiefs at Orkney Stadium.
And 10 years later, 43 died at the Soweto Derby between Chiefs and Pirates at Ellis Park.
These are incidents whichmust never be repeated, especially because we have learnt from Madiba that sport has the power to change the world.
Sport has the power to inspire; it has the power to unite people in a way that little else does.
Does it bother you when your team performs poorly during a big game?
It should bother you. However, that doesn’t give anyone a right to attack others.
We are all looking forward to the Nedbank Cup final, and I want with plead with players, coaches, organisers and fans to work together as football family and enjoy the tournament without any violence against each other.
Madiba said: “We can’t afford to be killing one another.”
We must acknowledge that change to do better begins with each of us having a willing heart to instil peace.
If we are united among fans, football leaders, business communities and civil society leaders, there will be nothing we cannot overcome.
Nothing will stand in the way of us achieving a situation where people don’t experience fear of violence at our soccer stadiums.
As much as we know the Nedbank Cup is a famous tournament, this year it’s even more interesting as both teams have eliminated big teams to go through to the final.
I understand the excitement around the tournament, but we must always condemn violence and assault of one another because it stains South African football’s reputation.
Violence will never be an answer and it stains a tournament which is considered to be one of the most celebrated and important in African football at the moment. But we must eliminate violence that follows usually when fans, players, coaches and organisers are unhappy with results.
That’s football for you, it’s unpredictable and we must all receive results with a huge heart that is never discouraged, even when results are not favourable.
We need to promote a culture where we respect each other equally as associates of different football teams, and that will help our clubs to truly excel and be progressive too.
Here’s how we can help end the scourge of violence in our stadiums:
Take the pledge to be part of the solution of ending violence and the sale of fake tickets at stadiums.
Start a conversation with your teammates, friends and fans of different teams about creating equitable relationships, respecting boundaries and ending violence.
Change attitudes and beliefs that perpetuate and make excuses for violence in stadiums.
Build a network of resounding voices that support and advance and promote safety, liberty and dignity for all of us.
Indeed, violence and chaos during important matches can be decisively avoided n if we all become involved.
It is incumbent on all of us to be role models for the kind of attitudes and behaviour that will benefit us all.
Let’s do this for Madiba.