Football is the medicine for a broken heart
SuperSport United striker Thamsanqa Gabuza had the nation divided after he chose not to attend his son’s funeral in order to prepare for the MTN8 final.
POLOKWANE, SOUTH AFRICA – SEPTEMBER 21: Thamsanqa Gabuza of SuperSport United during the Absa Premiership match between Polokwane City and SuperSport United at Old Peter Mokaba Stadium on September 21, 2019 in Polokwane, South Africa. (Photo by Philip Maeta/Gallo Images)
The lanky striker is not the first player to put his family affairs aside and prioritise playing an important football match.
Legendary player and coach Jomo Sono left his wife in church after saying his “I do” to help Orlando Pirates win a match at Rand Stadium in 1979.
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Former Pirates defender Siyabonga Sangweni also postponed his wedding day to travel outside of South Africa with the Sea Robbers to play in the Caf Champions league game.
To many, these footballers are seen as crazy and as people who don’t love their families, their kids and their spouses, forgetting that people are different and we find joy and comfort in different places. Football might be that friend or relative for football players.
To many, football is a game played by 22 men on the field with a round object, to others it is a companion and a source of solace in times of mourning.
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