Stiffer rules for players?

AS SHATTERING as the tragic death of Mondli Cele has been, it should be used to reflect on the lifestyles of football professionals in our country.

Cele, the Maritzburg United striker, died last Sunday after a car he was driving plunged into the uMsunduzi River, several hours after he had scored the opening goal in his team’s 3-3 draw with Orlando Pirates.

His death was met with shock and incredulity, especially since many people had switched off their TVs on that Saturday night after seeing Cele leave the Harry Gwala Stadium in high spirits. They awoke to the news that he had died.

The obvious question on our minds is whether this tragedy would have been avoided had a club like Maritzburg had a policy in place regarding players’ lifestyles outside camp.

Elsewhere in the world, clubs impose a strict policy of players having to be in their homes at particular times. Some teams also impose stringent regulations for player behaviour, such as bans on smoking or drinking in public. Even being photographed holding a cigarrette could trigger a fine.

But in SA, it seems, once a footballer has left the field, he’s on his own. Cele had a bright future but, at 26, he has joined Lesley Manyathela, Cecil Lolo and Richard Henyekane and others, who all perished in horrific car accidents.

Clubs must start educating their players about safety on the road, and the need to improve their general professional outlook.

But athletes themselves must also take responsibility, for they can’t be policed as if they are in kindergarten.