My Coach,
Be aware that I do not know anything about soccer and that I am nothing but a coach from the stands. Most importantly, know that I am a proud South African. I remember on the day you and Steve were up neck and neck, how I felt as though I was back in 1994 again when for days on end I helped my frail grandmother pick out the spear of the ANC from a pseudo ballot paper, helping her prepare for the 27th of April. I am certain that I and the entire nation were unequivocally rooting for you on that day too. Had it been up to us, you most likely would have been coach already for a long time pre 2010.
I believe in you Mr. Gordon Igesund, same way I believed in Nelson Mandela, Caster Semenya, The Proteas, and the Boks. You are my coach because you are the best at what you do, not even the three time champion Mr. Gavin Hunt’s CV speaks volumes much as yours does. It is for this reason that I feel it is my civil duty to remind you that it is not about your paycheque or the competitions and friendlies we play. It is about National Pride.
The kind that Francois Pienaar and his charges entrenched in 1995. The kind that Clive Barker, WC 2010 and Nkosazana Zuma reminded us of, the kind that makes us proud to call ourselves South Africans when we’re in the midst of other Nationals across the seas. You Mr. Igesund are the pride of this Nation and it is up to you to remind the nation what it feels like to be a proud South African Soccer Fan.
I am not certain of your reasons for calling up a Mr. Benedict McCarthy who once abandoned us when we needed him the most, a Mr. McCarthy whose feelings unquestionably come before National Pride and National success. Benedict McCarthy does not deserve to adorn the green and gold Mr. Igesund. He has had too many second chances and had them thrown back onto South Africa’s face. With this letter I challenge your decision, indirectly quoting parts of your speech when you announced the squad a week ago. You pointed out that call ups were for players who deserve to be in the national team, players who play and are in form for their teams.
Tell me My Coach, what has Benni McCarthy done to deserve a call up ahead of Lehlonolo Majoro, Bennet Chenene, Katlego Mashego (Swallows) or Dane Klate? Of course he has a legacy of having been the best striker this country has ever had but as it were, this is history and its elements. McCarthy is no longer that 17 year old that did wonders for his country, an individual that harboured great respect and unquestionable patriotism before personal feelings and finances.
Let us South Africa know why you make some of the decisions you make My Coach because on this one, for personal and national reasons, I do not think is your most thought out. I wish you well however as you embark on the tour of South America, I know most of those young boys you have in the team are proud to be there. I am certain they will wear that jersey with such pride that most of us will be left in tears.
They will play hard for you too, to thank you for picking them, I am certain of it. As we move forward My Coach, young blood like you have picked is all that matters with no influence from blasts from the past which is what Benni will be for them. They have all the guidance and exemplarity they need from disciplined and seasoned players such as Josephs and Khune. Do not deny them an opportunity of being unquestionably proud South Africans in green and gold, win or lose. I am proud of you Gordon Igesund, for your hardwork, for bringing National Pride and love for local soccer back into our hearts. Continue to do so, and BE THE MANOF YOUR WORD. This is a National Team; restore its pride and dignity…
Know that you have taken us a hundred steps back from seeing the fruition of this restoration by calling up McCarthy whose disregard for our country and pride is not a matter of discussion only in hallways at SAFA house but is a public matter in every household in this morally rich country of ours. Are you in promotion of the ill discipline and arrogance that he so forever displays?
Kind Regards,
Xolani Tembu
Commissioning Editor
Oak Tree Publishers
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