I’m sure no one in their right mind has taken up football for the sake of controversy or negativity.
Remember, there was a time when the beautiful game used to be a sport that brought nothing but joy and entertainment, even aided in political change and freedom.
As much as we need to remain optimistic and hopeful about the role that sport – and especially football plays in society, we also cannot ignore and be oblivious to the toxic football landscape that is on display right in front of us.
It has now filtered to the amateur tiers, where clubs are already bleeding and battling due to a lack of proper structures and lack of support and communication mechanisms between the football authorities and its affiliates.
Furthermore, there’s incompetence from those in pertinent administrative positions that is not helping the cause or to grow the game either.
There is a perception that the game and especially the female side of things grows when there are large numbers. But, the powers that be really need to go watch these new women’s teams…
“Honestly speaking they are very weak. And that is putting it mildly. Only a few of the teams, especially in the Western Cape province can claim to hold their own, especially financially and playing wise. The rest are just making up the proverbial numbers – and herein lies the problem.
So, if it is a numbers game for the province, then the recent turnout of eight out of 24 clubs who pitched for the engagement and the draw of the Sasol Women’s Provincial League, must be seen as a failure! Why?
Speaking to various coaches from the Sasol League No Bones with Jones gathered it was more in defiance than anything else. Apologies were issued by teams to say that they are participating in Santos’ Cup of Dreams tournament but really now? Are there no other members to represent the respective clubs?
So, the question can be asked to the Province? How can they claim that it was a huge success when more than half of the clubs did not pitch?
