G’day What is a legend?

On Minister Mthethwa’s address

Surely we’ve all heard what Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Nathi Mthethwa, had to say in his address with regards to training for contact and non-contact sports. Teams are now allowed to start group training, under strict health regulations, although there’s still no date set for the resumption of the league. When we read and listen to people’s opinions, you get a sense that they have mixed feelings about all of this. I spoke about the different scenarios when it comes to comparing us with those who have already resumed or set dates for their resumption, in last week’s edition. Some of us like to observe and learn from the experts and I can’t wait to see how everything will unfold from here onwards. Remember, we were under the impression that schools would reopen for certain grades on Monday, only for that to be postponed.

I know we have a very capable leadership and that they will guide us accordingly. We don’t have to believe everything we hear until we hear from the leadership. I know, for a fact, that our football will only be back when it is absolutely safe to do so. I know we have to respect other people’s opinions, but let’s just wait for our leadership to make the necessary pronouncements.

On being a legend

I once mentioned that despite the terrible impact COVID-19 has had, it has also given us some time to reflect, research and analyse situations. I recently came across a very interesting read about what qualifies one to be a legend. This was written by Stefan Vasilev on 12 September 2018. According to this article, there are three kinds of legends, namely: club legend, football legend and country legend. He succinctly dissects what makes a legend and what caught my attention was the reference to both on and off-thefield behaviour. He says if you get regular red cards or misbehave off the field, then you’re not a role model and a good example to the young players. Now, does that mean your reputation has a lot to do with whether you’re regarded as a legend or not? He says, in part, “A legendary player has to have the necessary qualities to be exemplary to the next generation of footballers. He has to epitomise the ideal footballer, which future talents will strive to become. That can be achieved not only by having a unique and impressive style of play on the field, but also by showing a socially acceptable and admirable behaviour off the field.

A great footballer has to be able to handle the responsibility that comes with being one. He has to know that all eyes are fixed on him at all times and he has to respond positively. He must always be a good example for young players and future generations. Only then he can become a legend.”

These are the quotes that got me and my friends talking for hours, discussing what it really means to be a legend. He mentioned a number of players that he felt were worthy of being called legends. Former players like Thierry Henry, Johan Cruyff, Pele, Bobby Charlton, Franco Baresi, Michel Platini, Dennis Bergkamp, Paolo Maldini and many more. In South Africa, from what I’ve seen, I would say we are talking about the late Ace Ntsoelengoe, Jomo Sono, Professor Ngubane, Teenage Dladla, Ace Mnini, Andrew Karajisky, Ryder Mofokeng, Yster Khomane, Garth Allardyce, Shakes Mashaba, Phil Jones Setshedi, Webster Lichaba,

Stuart Lilley, Peta Bala’c and a lot of other legends. I’m only mentioning the generation before us because we can’t decide whether we belong in the category of legends or not. It is only those who came before and after us that can decide, including the supporters. Our conduct on and off the field will play a major role in that decision-making process. I’d like to believe it wouldn’t be fair for us to talk only about European legends when we have our own. The writer further states that, “This is not only due to the fact that these people have raised the level of football from a tactical point of view, but they’ve also contributed to the improvement of the ethics of football. They’ve put a mark on the world with their characters and revealed a succession path to glory for the younger generation.”

While we’re still trying to figure this legendary status issue out, you’ll remember that it has been said that we’ve seen a number of talented players who amazed us with their skill and flair, but then you ask yourself if they can be regarded as legends. What does it take to be a legend? I honestly found this to be a really interesting read and subject of discussion. The writer is doing a thesis and they’re trying to find out why some teams are not marketable, and this is not just about local football. Some teams only get support when they play big teams, but when they play teams without a huge following, they don’t enjoy much support. Now, do all the professional teams have their own legends? Why don’t we hear some teams boasting about their legends? Isn’t that one of the reasons some teams don’t enjoy big support? Remember, it is about consistent delivery at club level, in the football fraternity and nationally, according to Vasilev.

I know this is a sensitive topic to some people, but I feel if we don’t talk about these things, we will never get solutions to our problems and challenges. We have to remember where we are coming from in order to know where we are going. Whatever we do, we ought to have the next generation in mind. I don’t think we’ve discussed this legendary status deep enough and I feel if we were to do that, not many people would receive it well. The term ‘legend’ has been used so loosely but, then again, this isn’t about causing any controversy but getting people to think. Football is a game of opinions and I’m sure everyone has a view on this because our observations will never be the same, all the time. Please feel free to let me know what you think of this subject.

Goodnight, Doctor Khumalo