Sport and Politics: ANCYL need to stay out of sports administration

The ANC Youth League is clearly unable to distinguish between its role as a supporter and a political party. It has no business giving its recommendations as to how our sports teams should be structured. If anything, its public criticisim of Bafana Bafana captain Aaron Mokoena on the eve of our crucial final group match with France will only serve to create division within the Bafana Bafana camp.

The reason why politics has no place in sport is twofold: First, professional sport is based on merit and excellence, not democratic consensus. In this regard, its decision-makers are experts, hired on contract and to deliver on performance. They are not there to appease politicians. Politicians are not football experts – certainly the ANCYL would be hard pressed to claim it is an expert at anything except empty rhetoric. Second, by expressing an opinion, the ANCYL is blurring the line between the public and private. On principle this is wrong, but in South Africa, where the ruling party cannot properly identify its role, it is particularly problematic. Politicians should deal with politics, football experts with football.

South African football is best served by politicians staying out of its business and supporting from the sidelines. As proud supporters of our national team, the Democratic Alliance (DA) wishes Mbazo and the rest of his charges our fullest support! The ANC Youth League should do the same.