They are expected to handle themselves in accordance to the highest levels of professional conduct and ethics. Commentators at the World Cup commented about the remark made by Argentine coach and former national hero, 'Maradona', who said that the Brazilian stalwart soccerite, Pele, should be relegated to the museums. The commentators were kind in saying only that the two great soccer heroes ought to be more magnanimous, each recognising the other's contribution to the sport. Newsroom discussions at The Monitor say Pele had commented that Maradona is not the right man for the coaching job at Argentina. The whole world knows, nevertheless, that Pele is famous for his gentlemanly demeanour on and off the field. Maradona is just as famous for his infamous behaviour on and off the field. He scored at the world event 'with a little of the hand of Maradona and a little of the head of Maradona'. Not too long ago he was heard shouting expletives at a press conference in his own country. He also made some unsavoury comments, bordering on racism, about the Nigerians before their meeting a few days ago. The man represents the epitome of unsportsmanlike behaviour. Earlier in the tournament, Nigeria's Sani Kaita was on the receiving end of a red card after thrusting his studs at an opponent next to the touchline, off the field of play.The replay suggested that the victim of his boot had nudged him with the ball, away from the sight of the referee. The ethic of fair play does not permit that behaviour. A dejected Raymond Domenech was captured on video rejecting a handshake with South African coach Carlos Alberto Parreira after the conclusion of the South Africa - France match, which culminated in both teams' elimination from the World Cup. If it is the coaches that display unsportsmanlike behaviour, how then does the footballing fraternity admonish wayward players and hooligans? Equally astonishing was the manner in which Lucas Radebe, a former captain of the South African national team, also introduced to the world as a United Nations Ambassador, found it appropriate to use the occasion of the opening concert of the World Cup to cheer 'Bafana Bafana'.
The host welcomes his guests. He does not proclaim to the visitors that his wife is the most beautiful among them. Whatever happened to the spirit of sportsmanship and fair play?
