I cannot agree more with Tajudeen Abdul-Raheen’s views regarding Africa’s participation in the World Cup. The positive of it especially the 2006 is that all the African countries that were there did play the best they could with Ghana giving excellent account of what African football is all about. Pity, none of them could reach the last stages but Ghana made all of Africa proud by reaching the last 16 group stage. Disparities in terms of economic status is so glaring in the World Cup, the results speak for themselves!

With Brazil failing to ignite the scene and being edged out by a not-so-convincing France spelt disaster for the third and developing world. It is true African players shine as individuals or when they play for their high paying European teams or those adopted (new form of colonialism) by these countries! France is the case in point!

I doubt if honourable Bhamjee’s expulsion has racism undertones, I think he committed big error of judgment, or fell into a trap he should not have. But the speed with which he was dealt with, leaves one wondering if the world body (Fifa) is really this swift and efficient in dealing with misdemeanors in all cases?

I will generally agree that racism is still a huge problem, despite attempts to stem the tide. How do you explain the malicious rumours that circulated in SA this past weekend hinting that “Fifa was going to take the right of hosting the 2010 World Cup by SA away and award it to Australia” because of crime and lack of preparedness etc? Of course LOC CEO, Danny Jordaan dismissed that as “nonsense”, but it makes one wonder who is behind such a rumour.