Phew, first thing I`d like to add is that , under the correct circumstances, sport and politics should absolutely mix- as it did during the apartheid years, and as it should now, by excluding Zimbabwe from all ICC events. But we are talking exceptional circumstances here- and there are none of those in the current political situation in the new South Africa.
Look, I believe firmly in transformation in especially rugby, but it should be a natural process, with the necessary support at grassroots level, as already suggested by DNAPlay. Forcing the issue does nobody any good, certainly not the national team, and certainly not the player forced to national duty when he`s not ready for it yet. Anybody remember Mfuneko Ngam and Victor Mpitsang, both highly talented fast bowlers, forced into the national frame too early, and losing their promising careers because of it?
Furthermore, I believe that mr Komphela is just doing what comes naturally to any politician, be it a SA, US or French politician- he`s trying to make a name for himself, score some brownie points and position himself for a nice little promotion come the next ANC general assembly. Think about it- how many people have even heard about Butana Komphela a week ago, and now his comments are being discussed by an international audience on TRF!
Actually, I`ll have 8 players of colour- and all on merit- in my World Cup 30-man squad, injuries permitting. I`ll have Habana, Pietersen and Guthro Steenkamp in my starting 15, and also Paulse, one of the Ndunganes, Floors, January and a fully fit Ralepelle in my squad. Now, I`m not saying that Jake White will see things in the same light, but if he does, won`t it look like a great victory for a certain mr. Komphela, who`ll be able to claim that he used his considerable influence to secure such a deal, when in fact all of these players would have been chosen, fully on merit IMO, in any event, even without threats made?
I actually believe comments like this will do more harm than good to the players concerned- how many players of colour will be chosen, fully on merit, and be considered "quota players" because of a stupid comment made for personal political gain. Pick the best available players- and IMO it just so happens that there are quite a few so-called players of colour who fits the bill as best available.
