Where is the love?

Yesterday a friend of mine was at OR Tambo International Airport dropping off one of his buddies for an international departure when he parked alongside a big green bus.

A familiar looking man climbed out of the said green bus.

It was the man in charge of our national football team, coach Gordon Igesund along with his Bafana Bafana players embarking on their tour to Australasia.

There were no fans to send the team off and the blaring vuvuzelas of encouragement that were so distinctive this time four years ago during the 2010 Fifa World Cup were absolutely nowhere.

Not a supporter.

Not a makarapa.

Not a care in the world… And for good reason too!

This week no fewer than 11 players withdrew from the touring squad that will play against the Australians on Monday, and the New Zealanders on Friday, citing injuries and club commitments as the reason for their withdrawal.

Names like Itumeleng Khune, Bernard Parker, Simphiwe Tshabalala, Tsepo Masilela, Oupa Manyisa, Thabo Matlaba, Kagisho Dikgacoi, Andile Jali and Sibusiso Vilakazi informed Coach Igesund at the last minute that they would not travel.

This is not the first time that players have dropped these kinds of bombs on national coaches and it certainly won’t be the last if this trend is allowed to fluctuate and flourish.

You would, however, think that there would be no better feeling than putting that Protea-emblazoned jersey on your body and the simple fact that you are representing your country should be enough motivation alone.

Who cares if you are playing the Spanish or Vietnam?

There should be no excuse.

Even fellow Benonian and former Bafana goalkeeper Rowen Fernandez expressed his shock at the withdrawal news by taking to Twitter and saying: “Amazed when players refuse Bafana call ups and refuse to be seen by national team doctors. How can you not want to play for your country?”
The thing that frustrates me to no end is the fact that there are millions of young sportsmen and women who would give their absolute everything to fly the flag for their nation.

I don’t know how many stories I have heard about the lesser known sportspeople and teams who have to beg and plead for a simple shirt sponsorship or who have to fit their own bill when travelling to international tournaments.

There is absolutely no doubt about it though football is the most supported sport in our country and our national team deserves all the hype and attention it gets because we want them to achieve in the world’s most popular game, but if our players are going to be drama queens and divas the whole time then something urgently needs to be done.

Maybe Gordon Igesund is not the no-nonsense disciplinarian that we first thought he was. LG