In yesterday's Supporters Club The Big Issue chat, we had some interesting discussions around what it means to be a South African footballer. There is a massive question every local player should ask themselves at some point in their career: Do you do it the Mzansi way, or try to secure a contract overseas?
Our Supporters seem unmoved in their response – our players should keep it local.
"Decolonisation of our football is the key to becoming world beaters. Let us not be swayed by big-money European deals but embrace our own league and style of play." – Basiamisi
"I am a Zimbo, I have known SA soccer by Shu-Shine, shibobos, etc. I haven't seen it in years. I believe we, as Africans, should not lose our identity… What about the fans? We want style, we want goals." – Siwelele76
An appropriate way to end this passage is with a quote from the actual Big Issue discussion, led by this week’s Get Published writer of the week, TebZA:
"South African soccer is an art with a bit of science in it, not a science with a bit of art."
Would you rather see scientific or artful football?
