When the building of the 2010 World Cup stadiums started not so long ago there was lots of mass action by workers who demanded more money for their work.
It was at the time when the Bafana Bafana hitmen (with the exception of Benni McCarthy) couldn't even finish their lunch, let alone get the ball into the back of the net.
So the inevitable jokes made the round that South Africa were definitely going to win the World Cup because we had the best "striker" with Cosatu in the No.9 jersey.
Now it looks as if Bafana are taking their cue from those workers by "threatening to strike" for more money from Safa ahead of the biggest tournament most of them have yet played in.
They are also looking for a cut from the millions Irvin Khoza and Co have made from their role in our country hosting the Confederations Cup and the 2010 World Cup.
I don't think the Bafana threat to strike is such a bad idea. In fact, I think coach Joel Santana should be happy with this. If I was in his shoes, I wouldn't give them a cent and would demand that they strike.
I would even double-dare them to strike - be it from inside or outside the penalty area. I would even say strike from as far as you can as often as you can.
The more you try the more you are likely to hit the target and score instead of trying to walk the ball into the back of the net as you normally do.
I even hope whoever plays goalkeeper also has a crack sometime in the tournament.
Yes, folks, Bafana striking from all angles on the pitch could just make our Confederations Cup experience on home soil that much more rewarding.
I would pay the Bafana players everything they demand for striking. Goodness knows, if they can get it right, they will deserve every cent coming their way.
Iraq, the hosts' opponents in Sunday's Confederations Cup opener, must be seriously quaking in their boots at the news of the strike. The Asian champions must know there will be no place to hide from all the striking, and must be concerned that their kit covers only a third of their bodies with balls seemingly going to fly from all directions at Ellis Park.
New Zealand quite rightly also looked nervous about the planned striking. On Wednesday night they almost beat world champions Italy in a warm-up match and the All Whites' coach admitted that they didn't get much sleep after hearing about South Africa's strike plans.
On enquiring how European champions Spain - Bafana's final opponents in the group stage - felt about the threat, they said they were unaware of it. However, they did say they hoped the strike was not that bad because they dearly want to break Brazil's record for an unbeaten streak.
One thing all three countries - and their supporters - will also be worried about is which kit Bafana are going to wear in the tournament.
The plea has been for everybody to go yellow for Bafana's matches but the home side have played in their newly launched green away strip in their last couple of internationals at home.
So the plea to spectators to get to stadiums early on match days may not have the desired effect because confused fans will not be sure whether to wear yellow or green. They may only arrive by half-time because they will first want to make certain what the national team are wearing.
The Springboks seem to think Bafana will be wearing yellow with even big Bakkies Botha walking around with a jersey on Thursday.
But I have a sneaky feeling that, because of the impending strike, it might be a bright red. So to be safe and still show your support for the national team, rather wear red to their games. You will fit in perfectly.
John Goliath - Cape Times
0 comments:
Post a Comment