There’s a sense of irony in the words spoken by Springbok captain Siya Kolisi, in connection with the annoyingly sticky situation which is the quota system in the sport of our country.
The captain’s recent comment that Nelson Mandela would not have supported quotas in sport has predictably ruffled some feathers on social media and in public alike, the same way his appointment as Bok skipper did, a shame for a country which claims to be democratic.
It’s a shame that some patriots and sport lovers, including this writer, could not help but feel that Kolisi’s appointment as the first Springbok captain in the 128-year Springbok rugby history was a potentially patronising move by Bok coach Rassie Erasmus, thanks to increased pressure by the government for more players of colour to be involved in our national teams.
But that’s the reality, unfortunately.
You have to wonder if Erasmus’ unprecedented decision would’ve taken place had the quota pressure not existed.
Kolisi’s ascension to Bok captain should have been treated as a norm considering that out of the country’s population of 50-plus million, 38-plus million are Africans.
Yet, instead, the appointment sparked huge celebrations as if the Boks had beaten the All Blacks in a World Cup final again.
It speaks volumes to the way sport has been run in South Africa – despite becoming a ‘democratic’ nation some 25 years ago.
The amount of opportunity, or rather lack thereof, given to players of colour has been nothing short of pathetic – and that – on the flipside of the coin – is what the Bok skipper implied by his recent comments.
In simple terms – every single player: blue, black, beige, purple or pink, should be given equal opportunity – not like how sport has been run in the country that has flat out implied that the African majority is inferior when it comes to sporting skills and/or talent.
Of course, in reality, this is not the case.
Bryan Habana, Akani Simbine, Caster Semenya, Serena Williams, LeBron James, Michael Jordan, Usain Bolt – need I say more?
It’s understandable that not every player of colour can play for the Springboks, or Proteas for that matter because of the path one needs to go through (great schools and luck), but all that is being constantly driven home is that for those players of colour who do reach the top echelons of our country’s sport, be given an equal opportunity.
Especially in rugby.
Whatever his motives are, kudos to Erasmus for the move, it’s long overdue. This year is World Cup year of course and the minority of the Bok make-up is still players of colour.
Don’t confuse these words with sinister, it’s widely acknowledged that Erasmus appears to be evolving with the times, but only time will tell whether his evolution is sincere or not.
And to a larger scale whether players of colour will actually be given an equal opportunity on merit, not because of the pressure which is the quota system.
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