Hull FC’s Zim-born Matongo welcomes BLM stance

YORKSHIRE — When Hull FC’s Masi Matongo says he is “lucky” to have not been affected by racism as much as some others, it merely underlines the whole issue.

Why should the England Knights prop — who was born in Zimbabwe and moved to the United Kingdom aged five — need to feel fortunate to be in such a position?

Moving to the point where it is normal not to suffer any such bigotry is what should be hoped for; it is one of the reasons he has welcomed rugby league’s unified stance on Black Lives Matter.

Earlier this week, the Rugby Football League, Super League, Championship and League 1 released a joint-statement saying it “stands in solidarity with players, coaches, fans, volunteers, staff and supporters in the struggle against racism and discrimination” while challenging itself to do more.

Matongo, 24, told The Yorkshire Post: “It’s always good to get the message out. And that is all it’s about really — making people aware of what still goes on. There’s a lot of people who take so much offence to it (BLM) but no one is blaming your average person, born into a certain way of life, for how things are.

“Yet at the same time, as it’s such a deep-rooted problem in society, it’s become the norm to be okay with it. That’s the issue.

“It’s just a case of saying ‘look guys, we know this isn’t right and it’s not your fault but we’d like your help to try fix it and tell the powers-thatbe this isn’t okay.’

“I have been fortunate to grow up with a lot of great white people; my best friends who I trust my life with are white.

“So it’s crazy to see how much hatred there still is. I’ve had racist experiences. Luckily, I’m strong enough to ride a lot of it but others aren’t and, for them, it might be enough to scare them not to go onto the streets even for a pint of milk. No one wants to live a life of fear.”

The RFL has said it would also do more to try and increase the number of black and ethnic minority people within the game.

As much as he appreciates that, Matongo understands some of the reasons why and maintains he should always be the best person for the job.

Simple education, regardless of who is involved and at what level, remains pivotal in his eyes.

— Yorkshire Post