The Springboks need our undivided support
Let's talk about something which is not related to politics or crime - The Rugby World Cup.
Oh, sorry, the World Cup has to do with politics.
And also crime.
After all, it is criminal that the World Cup has been turned into a political power play as hounds of “political correctness” call for a fair ethnic representation of players in the SA squad.
Last time I checked someone is a South African because they hold a valid ID, not because they are black, white or coloured.
Most of the players will, anyway, come back from the World Cup looking somewhat purple, bluish and with patches of red from the bruises, injuries and hard knocks received on the field.
Recently, trade union federation Cosatu called for Springbok coach Heyneke Meyer to be fired, following what they referred to as racist choices and a spate of losses suffered by the national team in the Rugby Championship.
Cosatu claimed five black ‘Bok players had approached them, alleging they were being left out of the line-up by Meyer because of the colour of their skin.
Of course, the South African Rugby Players’ Association said it was unaware of the issues raised by the anonymous black players.
In light of Cosatu’s antics, can we all rather just get off our high horses (and some need to really be thrown off with a cheer and a jeer) to start supporting the boys who go to the World Cup instead of hammering on about the team being too white?
Seriously? This is a South African team, with players picked on merit and carrying the hopes of all 60 million citizens of the Rainbow Nation.
Thankfully, the New Zealand team is already dubbed the All Blacks, because in our country of absurd political correctness pressure would surely have been exerted to change the name Springboks to the All Blacks.
Now, let us (including Cosatu) have a look at the following list of players: Itumeleng Khune, Moeneeb Josephs, Shuaib Walters, Siboniso Gaxa, Anele Ngcongca, Aaron Mokoena, Matthew Booth, Bongani Khumalo, Siyabonga Sangweni, Tsepo Masilela, Lucas Thwala, Teko Modise, Lance Davids, Reneilwe Letsholonyane, MacBeth Sibaya, Thanduyise Khuboni, Kagiso Dikgacoi, Steven Pienaar, Siphiwe Tshabalala, Surprise Moriri, Bernard Parker, Katlego Mphela and Siyabonga Nomvethe.
Yes, these are not rugby players. Guess what these players have in common? This is our 2010 Soccer World Cup squad.
And, guess what? Matthew Booth was the only white face in the squad.
But, as far I remember, no one jumped and down demanding to boycott the World Cup because of an unfair representation of the Afrikaner in the squad.
Back then, no one behaved like spoiled children, throwing tantrums and calling this country racial.
No. That was the SA soccer team. Our pride. And everybody supported the boys even though we knew they faced one heck of a tough challenge.
Five years later and we should rather be ashamed of ourselves for making the debacle of the rugby squad into a racial and political issue.
And spare a thought for Heyneke Meyer. He has been saddled with the insurmountable task of beating the All Blacks and dealing with fiery English, Welsh and Irish sides.
Yet, to complicate the man’s hefty task and just to pile extra pressure on him, he has to fall in line with SA’s sad political agendas, driven by egocentric personalities.
And the result? We have to wonder if Heyneke could pick the side he had in mind to hopefully lift the trophy. For now, we will not know, but one day the truth will surface, probably when he publishes his autobiography!
So then, if we falter at the World Cup, please, let us not blame the players or the coach.
Meyer will surely come up with numerous politically correct excuses if we are bundled out of the World Cup, such as: “We are building for the future” (that excuse has never made sense now or in the past in any sport) or that “Players were injured” or “Players were tired”.
The referee might be blamed, or the conditions, or maybe sanity will prevail and the conquering team will be granted the credit.
Whatever the excuse if we fail in our quest, let us rather then lay the blame squarely at the feet of a country that has failed to look only at two colours – the green and gold.
But who knows, maybe a surprise awaits us? South Africa should hardly have any problems with the group stage when the tournament kicks off on September 18.
After all, Samoa, America, Scotland and Japan shouldn’t really pose a problem for South Africa, despite the political shenanigans.
It is only in the quarter-finals when the boys are separated from the men.
I can only hope by then that this country has decided to push aside its own interest and pride to rather support the Springboks with one voice and one heart, just as we did in 2010.
