I really don’t know what a player’s sexual preference has to do with what he does for football.
The other day I read an article in a German newspaper about a South African goalkeeper talking about how tough it is to come out as a gay player.
Let’s take former Everton man Thomas Hitzlsperger for example – he is proud of his sexuality and has openly encouraged players who are gay to “listen to their own voices” and not that of outside people.
It got me wondering how many gay pro footballers and coaches there are in the Premier Soccer League.
Homosexuality is an open secret in the local woman’s football scene.
There was even a story doing the rounds that at some stage a national coach of one of the women’s teams was shocked to see the majority of her players in boxer shorts instead of traditional ladies’ underwear in the changing room.
I’ve also been hearing whispers about players and a coach in the top teams of the PSL.
I found it very interesting that the “whistleblowers” were not speaking in their usual passionate tone.
And what was even funnier was the “but you didn’t hear it from me.” comment at the end.
It all seems taboo for now, maybe that’s because it’s not yet a high-profile player or coach that has come out or been found out.
But does it really matter what lifestyle a person chooses to live?
IMAGINE IF: The Soweto derby. Photo: Sydney Mahlangu/ BackpagePix
What changes in what a guy can do on the pitch or as a coach after finding out that they are gay?
Imagine if a player or coach from one of the Soweto derby teams came out or was found out to be gay? How will that change how you see that player or coach?
Will the conversation be about how good that player or coach is for a gay person?
Or does life just go on?
You saw the ad where Serena Williams says “when we [women] react, we’re called emotional”, what is going to be sad about gay players when they do what is perceived to be “gay things”.
There are some real issues affecting local football, like equipping guys with life skills that include financial education and managing their celebrity status.
If it continues to be an issue when a top player or coach comes out, we might need to add education or awareness about LGBTI.
Ewe, football is no longer just about daai ding you kick around mfowethu.
Either you are ready to evolve or you might just get left behind. It’s like peeling an onion my friend.