The show must go on

RADITION has it that it was the circus that bequeathed to the English language one of its most indisputable pearls of wisdom: the show must go on. According to this tradition, circus impresarios knew that even if an animal was injured or an act missed a trick, it was no reason to stop the show.

Today the phrase applies more to show business in general but it is applicable to any area of life.

And so it must apply to football this weekend after a tumultuous and emotionally draining week that saw the killing, arrest of suspects and burial of Orlando Pirates and Bafana Bafana goalkeeper Senzo Meyiwa.

Meyiwa, former Olympic silver medallist Mbulaeni Mulaudzi and boxer Phindile Mwelase were all buried last weekend. Meyiwa’s death received far greater media and public prominence precisely because he took part in South Africa’s most followed sport and played for one of the top two most supported teams in southern Africa.

Now as the PSL resumes this week scarred in ways that have left their mark beyond the playing fields, it is important for everyone involved in the sport to remember that the show must go on.

The stages and styles of grieving will be different, but as the players take to the field they must remember to be true to their own talent and do their best. It might just be their best tribute to the teammate, opponent and fellow professional that Meyiwa was to them.

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