Mzansi’s football still deep in the dark ages because of a disregard for respect
SPORT is often a microcosm of the society in which it finds itself.
For example, and allow me some poetic licence, Australian sport is always perceived as brash and arrogant, the English haughty and aloof and the Italians feisty and melodramatic. Translate those traits to their general societies and, often, there are many similarities. So, too, in South Africa…
And a few incidents during Saturday night’s Orlando Pirates CAF Confederations Cup match was a perfect illus- tration of what is considered “important” in this decaying society of ours, where it’s all about instant gratification and a general lack of respect.
With Pirates 2-0 up against Tunisian side CS Sfaxien, skilful ball-tricksters like Sifiso Myeni and Thabo Rakhale proceeded to showboat, performing the usual shibobos, tsamayas and nifty footwork that supporters in this country are obsessed with.
Needless to say, the Tunisians weren’t amused. They took exception and it led to an on-field scuffle among the players. After- domestic football culture, that fans want to be entertained, and that’s what they pay their hard-earned money to see.
I say that’s absolute nonsense. Because if it is the case, then I also add that it’s probably the main reason why our football is still deep in the dark ages. Mired way down the world football rankings, SA football cannot progress because too many players and supporters are too concerned about looking good through fancy footwork rather than getting on with performing and winning.
It’s important to ask why Kaizer Chiefs were so successful under former coach Stuart Baxter over the last few seasons. Answer: Because he eliminated the extraneous and the gratuitous from the Soweto club’s approach. He got them organised, cohesive and tactically disciplined, and ensured that they were obsessed with shape and structure rather than unnecessary over-elaboration. In short, he wanted them to perform good instead of looking good.
As Crystal Palace manager Alan Pardew remarked during his club’s recent visit to the Mother City. “South African players are great athletes and very skilful, but they are lacking in the tactical and technical aspects of the sport.”
Skill, yes, there’s nothing wrong with it. It’s something local footballers are blessed with, but it has to be used properly. It must be employed as part of a desire to get beyond an opposing player or to initiate an attacking move. In South Africa, though, showboating is all about making fun of, or embarrassing, the opponent. And if that isn’t disrespect, then I don’t know what it is…
And, so, I guess this facet of local football is a reflection of this society’s lack of attention to detail, its abject failure to persevere, its inability to demand more than the superficial, and, of course, the continued disregard for discipline and respect that characterises our everyday interaction.
Because clowning is what attracts, moves and inspires this nation.