The games people play

Lance Neita, Contributor

The eyes of the world will be on Africa next month as South Africa takes its turn at hosting the World Cup football tournament June 11 to July 11.

It is a test for the nation as well as the continent, as it is the first time that this prestigious global event will be held in Africa.

South Africa has built up an elaborate network of stadiums, roadways, hotels and airports to accommodate the games. These developments have not been without controversy as there have been protests from communities being relocated, or who have complained that public funds for social services are being diverted to prepare for the event.

Nevertheless, the readiness of the country to host the tournament has received positive endorsement from the Federation Internationale de Football Association (FIFA).

It would appear that South Africa has gone through all the teething pains customary to the hosting of an affair as large and important as this one. It is now the world's time to sit back, turn on the television, and get ready for the 64 games and 5,760 minutes of dazzling football expected to grip the attention of some 30 billion people.

strong representation

Africa itself will be well represented with six teams, Algeria, Nigeria, Ghana, Cote d'Ivoire, Cameroon, and the host nation representing the continent. Players such as Drogba, Essien, Adebayor, Eto'o and the Toure brothers are familiar figures who have already created excitement in the English and European leagues.

Jamaica will not be among the 32 competing teams, and this will be a matter of regret and remorse as we contemplate what could have been.

World Cup action, however, leaves little time for these sad reflections. It is that moment in our lives when nations at war put down their swords and prepare to make common cause in celebration of victory or in hand wringing at defeat.

We are at a moment of crisis in Jamaica when fractiousness, hostility and political chicanery have once again combined to create serious divisions and turmoil in our society. Can it be too much to hope that a single sporting event of such exhilarating proportions can bring pause to the quarrelling and wrestling and infighting that now mars the landscape?

Dare we hope that the criminals will give us a break, our politicians cry "cree", and civil society gets a chance to enjoy the uninterrupted display of artistry expected this summer on a continent in which we share a common heritage.

Indeed, our politicians share a fine tradition of playing and enjoying sports. The most outstanding is undoubtedly Norman Man-ley, former chief minister and premier, who was a brilliant athlete at Jamaica College and set a Champs record of 10 seconds in 1910 for the 100 yards which remained unbroken until 1952.

Another former head of state, Sir Donald Sangster, was an all-round sportsman who captained the St Elizabeth cricket team and was a footballer, athlete and cricketer representing Munro. Edward Seaga kept wicket for Wolmers, while among former and present politicians with a sports background are Trevor Munroe; Bobby Pickersgill, who was a crafty spin bowler for Clarendon College; Frank Witter; James Robertson; Wykeham McNeill; Ernie Smith and Bobby Montague. William 'JC' Hutchinson played daCosta Cup for both Knox and Munro in the 1960s.

fine tradition

There is a famous story of Sangster's athletic skill which still makes the rounds in his hometown of Mountainside. Returning from training at Malvern one morning, a fit lawyer, Sangster, spotted a young man picking cashews on his property. As he approached the tree, Sangster called out "Sammy, when you finish I need some", at which Sammy dropped the bag and took off like a bullet, with lawyer giving chase.

Sammy sailed over a fence only to see Sangster still on his heels, he cleared a higher fence with Sangster behind him, and on a third try he was nabbed at the tape. It provided a good laugh all around, the cashews were shared, and the two men remained friends for life.

A fine tradition of sportsmanship has been maintained by some of our politicians over these many years. It has not all been hide and seek.

Comments may be sent to columns@gleanerjm.com or lanceneita@hotmail.com.