It is a really powerful combination when the players and the fans combine their resources in the sporting world.
That was evident in the recent circus that was created around the proposed Super League in the soccer world.
The situation in sport in the Eastern Cape is a bit different but it should still be very interesting and maybe rewarding to see what happens if the players and the supporters strike a united front.
In the soccer world, there were some billionaire club owners planning a Super League, apparently without consulting the players and the fans.
This was seen by many as rich people playing games and the players and fans were quick to call these owners to account in no uncertain fashion.
The protests at some clubs were threatening to get out of hand and those fat cats had to retract from their very ambitious plans.
It was rather embarrassing for those club owners but they were put firmly in their place by the players and fans combination.
In our province there is no threat of a Super League but, as sports fans, we desperately need at least one professional outfit to get excited about.
A bit of a protest by the players and fans, demanding a decent East Cape side, at the Nelson Mandela Stadium or at St George’s Park, would not be out of place.
The players and the fans deserve better in the East Cape sporting environment. When we can get back to attending matches again when the COVID-19 restrictions are relaxed, a few placards in this regard, would be welcomed.
Local administrators are quick to blame the national bodies, the economy or this and that, but rather get to work and find those elusive sponsors and start putting structures in place to better the situation.
The P(layers) and F(ans) company should put pressure on the sports administrators, big companies and politicians to help get this chaotic house in order.
Surely we can’t carry on with the current setup at Eastern Province Rugby and how can Chippa United be allowed to change their coach more often than a teenager changes her mood?
The soccer organisers of the proposed Super League will always have to watch their step as they will not be trusted in future.
What we, as sports fans, want to see is coherence among our administrators, not meaning they must not take each other on in discussions about getting our beloved teams on the right track.
The clubs and the provincial unions must work together for things to get better.
With the help of the P & F company we must get to the stage where all will be speaking with one voice.
If administrators don’t know it by now – just a reminder that the players are the top assets in this game.
Respect the players . . . and the fans.
