Journalism is not only about the good: the bad and ugly must also be heard

Firstly, thanks to all for the well wishes but I need to admit that I was rather facetious and deliberate when I posted this award as it is not my usual modus operandi.

Let me clarify… Firstly, the award I received from Hanover Park FC’s chairman Rieduwaan Anthony was really surprising….. Anthony personally invited me to attend their annual presentation at the Turfhall Community Centre last year – which I duly honoured. 

Mind you, I expected nothing more, as getting a personal invite from a chairman from any club for that matter to cover an event for the club, says a lot about the regard they hold one as a journalist – to me at least.

At this very function, Mr Anthony called me on stage to hand over the media award. He further went on to give a glowing description and raved about my contribution to local and amateur football mentioning names like Joe Pillay, Brian Gaffney (both late) in the same breath – needless to say, I felt very humbled and flattered as these predecessors were icons of the local game.

It must also be noted that Anthony and I always had a solid relationship in the past  – since my time as a football writer for Die Son. The challenge at my previous company was that the powers that be never shared my vision and passion and I was very limited to give a broader coverage and reflection of the true football landscape in Cape Town.

Alas! Now that I have my own platform I have more freedom and carte blanche to try and do justice to our football scene in my limited capacity – whether it is positive or controversial. Because let’s face it, our football landscape is riddled with politics and unscrupulous dealings with individuals who are in it for personal gain, fame and power.

The Late Lennie Kleintjies always preached to me when I was glued to his side in his later years that whatever you do in journalism, stay true to yourself and never shy away from the truth – no matter how ugly or dangerous it might seem. 

Hence, I equipped myself with a Honours Degree in Journalism. This coupled with my love for football was a winning combination for me. I will not allow this attack on journalism by individuals that do not know how the industry works. Have we forgotten how brutal the British press is? Just saying. Perhaps the perception will change if more writers are willing to focus on the local scene, who knows?

I very rarely speak about my football days. Yes, I didn’t play pro, but those who really know me and played alongside me can vouch for ‘Ching!’  – a nickname I inherited from my dad Yasien for the striking resemblance apparently.

Without digressing… My destiny was journalism. So, I am not just any Tom, Dick and Harry as referred to by some of you who seem to have issues when I step on your toes for the right reasons, but a seasoned campaigner. And yes, we all make mistakes. It is how you handle those mistakes that says a lot about one’s character. 

I was raised that If you make a mistake, apologize, learn from it and move on… and I think that is what I did. But to get vilified and discredited for an error is rather uncalled for in my view. But I guess that is the world we live in where people thrive on the flaws of others. 

One must also ask the questions such as why Anthony was getting so defensive lately and what is he hiding? It is clear that he has a lot on his plate, as owner of Hanover Park FC, Premier United and interest in some other clubs as well.

That is quite a lot for a person who claims to have only soccer at heart. If Mr. Anthony really wanted to make a difference in the local soccer landscape – why does he not put all his energy into the Hanover Park LFA and help them become a force in local football.

This is also not an attack on anyone, but simply me putting the record straight and saying what must be said. I’ve always had and always will have football’s best interest at heart – without any financial compensation or any reward because I have a passion for what I do, and it is what runs through my veins – and this is probably my biggest crime!