Zebras players did the right thing the wrong way

Mqondisi Dube | Wednesday May 25, 2016 15:53

 

To drink or not to drink while in camp and still in national team colours was the overwhelming question after Zebras players were photographed queuing in a liquor shop to stock-up alcohol. Coach Peter Butler said the players were given time off after their game against Lesotho on Saturday.

“They were effectively released after the game to report back on Sunday,” Butler said. But effectively the players were still in camp as they were en route to Francistown where they will continue preparations for a critical Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against Uganda on June 4.

While there is nothing wrong with adults walking into a liquor outlet and purchasing their intoxicating beverage, one would ask; what was so pressing to the players who are expected to adhere to the strictest of diets and code of conduct, to rush to consume alcohol?

Training camps are meant to take away players from engaging in activities that may otherwise interfere with their schedule. Their diet while in camp is monitored to achieve optimum performance. The players’ behaviour while in camp is expected to be impeccable and create the best possible environment to focus on the task at hand; that is to train hard in an untainted atmosphere.

That is why when the Botswana Football Association (BFA) fails to shell their dues, the nation sympathises with the players. There is no room for any disruptive activity, including failure to pay allowances. Therefore, alcohol should have been the last drink in the players’ minds.

For a national team, adored by thousands and expected to inspire the future Zebras, walking into a liquor shop, fully clad in national team regalia is hardly ideal. Roles become blurred.

The nation fails to distinguish or separate between Joel Mogorosi the individual and Joel Mogorosi the national team captain. Agreed, players are human beings who have a right to imbibe. But here is a whole national team in a liquor outlet wearing national team apparel and the nation is told there is nothing amiss. The unintended effect of their action is that their behaviour or performance will be thoroughly scrutinised after the weekend incident.

Only on Monday, the players boycotted training and the immediate reaction was; “They want money to buy alcohol.” They have now invited an eagle eye on their actions and if they do not perform on the pitch, ultimately fans will question, rightly or wrongly; “How will they perform when they are always drinking alcohol.”

It might be harsh criticism, but at the end of the day, the players will have invited such harsh analysis.

Those defending the players have argued that there is nothing wrong with players quenching their thirst after a game. But there are many ways of doing this without irritating a nation. By openly imbibing, there is the danger of the players being dismissed as a bunch of drunkards and they will have no one but themselves to blame. It should stick in their minds that they represent each and every Motswana when they are on the field of play and naturally, their off the field behaviour will attract close scrutiny.

That is a fact that they will never run away from. It goes with the territory. Therefore they cannot mourn and claim they are being hounded. Accepting that national team call-up means they surrender some of their privileges as they effectively become public figures. Their behaviour cannot be condoned simply because there is no rule in the BFA book, which outlaws visiting liquor outlets while in a national team jersey.