More often than not, we hear of the pressure that comes with the responsibility of being a professional footballer, especially at a young age. It is never easy to break through into the professional ranks and the struggle that comes with it can be both a blessing and a curse, at the same time. A blessing because the world is your oyster and a curse because there is a big price to pay for being in that position. As the Bible says, in Luke 12:48, "To him whom much is given, much is required."
This is where most of our professional athletes miss the point, striking the balance between the blessing and the curse that comes with playing professional sport. Once you sign on the dotted line, you better believe it when we say that's the end of your teenage years! The same goes for Mamelodi Sundowns young sensation, Siyabonga Mabena, who made his professional debut at 16 against Royal AM last week. If the reaction to his debut is anything to go by, the Grade 10 pupil's life will never be the same again because, unlike Lebohang Mokoena, for instance, he's living in the digital world where just a simple flash of a camera is enough to share your life with the rest of the world. You're never going to be a minor and an adult at the same time. The moment you sign, you cease to be a teenager because of the responsibilities that come with that signature. You're no longer like the other kids your age after signing professional. You become special and there is a price to be paid for being special.
Even in their families, these kinds of people get elevated to sometimes even surpass their biological parents in the hierarchy. They easily become the head of the home and it becomes an unwritten law that they are leaders by virtue of being providers and breadwinners. Let's face it, most of these athletes earn far more than their parents and that gives them a voice because not many, even their own parents, have the courage to call them out when they go off the rails. The parents may hint at their disapproval, but they're unlikely to run the risk of 'biting the hand that feeds them'. The onus is on you, the young professional, to elevate yourself and change the way you do things by growing up fast and maturing quickly. One of the biggest mistakes professional athletes tend to make is to turn their backs on their amateur coaches and presidents and think they are not good enough to 'coach' them anymore. They then adopt new guardians who are only after the fame and fortune that comes with associating with professional athletes, whereas the former were just doing it for the love and passion of the Beautiful Game and the athlete's wellbeing.
When you get to professional level, the last thing you can expect is the head coach to play father-figure to you all the time. Only amateur coaches do that, more reason you should hold on to them. Professional coaches always have to watch over their shoulder because their job is results-driven and their job security is almost never guaranteed. They never empty all of their bags, as they're as ready to exit as soon as they enter their office. They don't have time to babysit anyone and therefore your amateur coaches and presidents will always be there for you because they have your best interests at heart. Some athletes don't even have the decency to give their playing kit as a token of appreciation to those who paved the way for them at amateur level, because they suddenly have so many newfound friends to cater for. These are the most important people in their life, but as soon as "fit hits the shan", they're the first ones to leave the scene.
The struggle with balancing the new role and the responsibilities that come with it is what hurts the most. The company you keep says a lot about you. Just recently, the National Basketball Association (NBA) handed Memphis Grizzlies' guard, Ja Morant, an eight-game suspension without pay after an incident where the 23-year-old was allegedly seen brandishing a gun in a strip club, on his Instagram Live. The video went viral, obviously attracting a lot of interest from everyone. The most unfortunate part is the fact that his was not a 'stolen' moment, as Ja was clearly aware of what was happening, which makes one wonder what kind of a friend or company would willingly put the guard in such a compromised position in the first place? Was there no one to think of the consequences of such an action by one of the most idolised current basketball players? NBA Commissioner, Adam Silver was quoted as saying, in an official statement after the ban, "Ja's conduct was irresponsible, reckless and potentially very dangerous. It also has serious consequences given his enormous following and influence, particularly among young fans who look up to him."
Th South Carolina-born superstar will lose about $669 000 (R12.2 million) in salary during his suspension. Yes, that may be only a fraction of his next contract, but the reputational damage that comes with that short video is immeasurable. Ja is on the record stating how apologetic he is and that the gun wasn't his nor was that video a true reflection of who he is. As one of the faces of the League, he seems to understand the potential damage this has on not only himself but the Grizzlies and the NBA in general.
Sadly, the damage has been done and can't be reversed, which is why it is important for one to strike the balance between the blessing and the curse of being a professional athlete. Once you are at that level, you stop being a follower and assume the role of leadership. Whether you are ready or not, the role is there for you and the company that you keep will either help you navigate your way through the bumpy roads or lead you astray. The choice is yours, but as long as you remember that your actions are no longer just about you, they don't affect only you anymore, you will be alright. There's a level of responsibility that comes with professional athleticism that everyone in the league is expected to live up to. While it is well and good to regret, it is important to remember that people will believe your actions more than your words. If you find yourself in the company of a professional athlete, please make sure that they remember why and how they got to where they are in the first place.
Would you say Ja was surrounded by the right people? If that was the case, common sense would have prevailed to stop him from putting himself in such a dangerous and vulnerable position, putting his career at risk. Surely people who care enough about him would stop him from being dangerous to himself. Those are the real people, with your best interests at heart, not people who are around you for the money and fame that's attached to your name. This goes to show that not only professional footballers are faced with these demons. For those who don't follow basketball, Morant is one of the faces of the whole game, not just his club (franchise). At only 23, he's regarded as one of the best players to ever play the game and his future is so bright that some are predicting great things for him. Footballers, be careful of the company you keep because sport is for a limited time and needs one to make the most of the opportunities that come with it. Some people got lost in the system through career-threatening injuries, can you imagine losing your career through your own doing? Just because you don't know where to draw the line as far as the blessing and the curse go? Remember, professional athletes are leaders and leadership comes with a lot of responsibility!
Cheers,
Veejay
