South African sport: 10 out of 10
Brad Morgan
25 June 2004
For many South Africans, sport is the glue that holds them together. It's a real love affair.
In a country that boasts a great climate for outdoor activity, there are plenty of participants, and even more fans, focused mainly only soccer, cricket and rugby, but going far beyond the country's "big three".
Much has changed in SA sport in the 10 years since the country became a democracy. For millions it has meant a real chance to participate; new role models have emerged; some stars and teams have risen while others have fallen; important administrative changes have taken place; there have been great triumphs and heart-breaking defeats.
Through it all, though, South Africa's sports addiction has remained constant.
In international competition it has, predictably, been a roller-coaster ride. It's difficult to evaluate the success that democracy has brought, because back in 1996 South Africa's soccer team, Bafana Bafana, were the
continental champions, the Springboks were top of the rugby, and the one-day cricket team was arguably the best outfit in the game - and these are hardly the case today.
Yet athletes have emerged that never would have without democracy, stars for youngsters to look up to.
Making their mark
For young soccer players with stars in their eyes, the playing fields of Europe, home to the richest leagues in the world, are the target. Men like Lucas Radebe, Benni McCarthy, Bradley Carnell, Delron Buckley, "Old-John" Mabizela, Shaun Bartlett and Mark Fish have made this possible.
For rugby-playing youngsters, South Africa still holds the greatest promise, but European nations, especially England, Wales, France and Italy, are increasingly hungry for the talented players the land of the Springbok churns out.
Men like Mark Andrews, Andre Vos, Nick Mallett, Alan Solomons, Gary Teichmann, Robbie Kempson and Franco Smith have made their mark in
the cooler climes of Europe.
Cricketers, too, have enjoyed great success overseas. Although that was the case years ago, there has been a huge increase in the number of players now making a living overseas. Like rugby, though, playing cricket at home still remains the number one prize.
Those who have excelled in the English County Championships include Jonty Rhodes, Jacques Kallis, Shaun Pollock, Allan Donald, Darryl Cullinan, Kevin Pieterson and Mornantau Hayward.
Doors wide open
Democracy has meant opportunities for all South Africans in more sports than SA's big three, however - a fact attested to by stars like Hezekiel Sepeng, 800 metres silver medallist at the Atlanta Olympics, current 800 metres world number one Mbulaeni Mulaudzi, two-time world high jump champion Hestrie Cloete, multiple world boxing champion Baby Jake Matlala, and many more.
There will always be ups and downs, but choosing teams from the entire
population, not from a select group, will surely see South Africa becoming one of the world's great sporting nations. The rainbow nation's passion for sport will take us there - see if it doesn't.
SA sport: 10 times 10
Here are my 10 reasons for loving South African sport:
- Soccer: the people's passion
- Rugby's weighty legacy
- Cricket: heartbreak, innovation
- Golf: setting standards
- Boxing: SA's world beaters
- SA's endurance sport love affair
- A climate made for sport
- Sensational stadiums
- Fantastic fans
- Hosting the big events
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