Fans will wish for more commitment from sport

It's that time of year for making wishes and resolutions - a time of renewal. In sport for 2004 there are many things South Africans will wish for fervently.

Among them the most deeply felt wish will be for greater success in almost every sphere of sport.

They will also wish for a new sense of commitment to their sport from competitors and administrators alike.

In soccer, Bafana Bafana have been drawn in what locals call a "group of death" in the continental showpiece, the African Nations' Cup.

This takes place in Tunisia next month and February, and the three other countries in the group are Nigeria, Morocco and Benin.

It's going to be a tough call and much will depend on how good a squad Shakes Mashaba is able to put together, under the difficult constraints the national coach has to deal with as a result of the club or country issue that involves some overseas-based stars.

Then there's the southern African Cosafa Cup which runs from next month to mid-year and involves all the region's national teams.

Finally, Pirates, SuperSport United and Wits will be involved in various African club tournaments in the course of the year.

The wish of all soccer fans, by far the biggest section of the country's population, will be for the best possible results in these tournaments and that increasing numbers of players of the highest class continue to emerge.

The return of the Olympics to Athens where, according to legend, it all began, is a fairytale event.

South African Olympians over the years have done this country proud - no one more so than willowy world champion high jumper, Hestri Cloete. A power to her arm - or should that be legs? - and for the rest of her teammates, let's wish them every possible success at the Games.

Rugby is a difficult call. But let's hope a more successful process of identifying the best talent is established with the least possible delay. While one wishes the new Sarfu president, Brian van Rooyen, every success in this taxing role, may one offer a few suggestions?

Van Rooyen's appointment as Sarfu boss came from left field. He has never run a provincial union and as regards heading any rugby organisation, his highest qualification is club president. It would do him no harm to listen to more experienced - perhaps wiser - heads.

He has accused Morne du Plessis of stirring up a palace revolution by calling for a special meeting of the board of SA Rugby to discuss the panel of four from which the Springbok coach is to be drawn and Nick Mallett's absence from it.

Late this week Du Plessis's three backers for a meeting of the board withdrew their support.

Since then, Van Rooyen has nonetheless agreed to a meeting on January 8, seeming to suggest he has realised he is skating on thin ice.

After all, Andre Markgraaff, who was Van Rooyen's original pick as national coach, has himself withdrawn his candidature and, like Du Plessis, backs Mallett, so the new president really ought to listen.

Behaving like a miffed child is not helping anyone.

Think about it, sir. And while you're at it, adopting some of the best traits of the popular late Golden Lions and Cats boss, Jomo King, would be an excellent idea.

Jomo (Jonathon Charles) was born in England and spent his early years in Kenya, where Jomo Kenyatta was president - hence the nickname.

He was educated at Maritzburg College, and played in just about every Wits University rugby team from under-20s to the Wits Old Boys (WOBs).

The Metorex Mining Company director died earlier this week of a heart attack at the age of 55.

A most likeable man, King was popular with fellow-administrators and players alike. The former hooker only stopped playing for the WOBs at the

age 48.

A canoe enthusiast, he was an active competitor in both the Dusi and Fish River marathons. He ran three Comrades and enjoyed turning out for the Wits Old Crocks soccer side as well.

He leaves his widow, Pat, and two children.

Of the old rugby school, he was so fanatically loyal to Wits he had to be persuaded to make himself available for election to the Golden Lions presidency.

Friendly, wonderful company and a true rugby man, King's presence and abilities will be sorely missed.

A difficult act to follow, Mr President.

But you could do a lot worse. So why not forget the tough guy stuff and get down to serving rugby.