Opinion: Kissing the badge – Where does the loyalty lie?

by Ifeanyi David

stanap

A few weeks after, we would witness a series of events that saw our very own involved in the most unlikely and controversial transfer sagas in recent times. A move that would see him from a place considered as home to an utterly disregarded destination, the home of the enemy, our eternal rivals. 

Gestures speak volumes. Signs, symbols, whether in appreciation, dismay, homage or simply in admiration, mild, severe, however controversial, they all reveal the true feelings of the heart when displayed. However, at times what we see projecting as expressions may portray the exact same opposite or may have no meaning at all.

It was the 85th minute in a gripping game that saw us trail by a single goal. Emotions high, hearts racing, fists clenched, some completely accepting the fate, in all we all hoped for a miracle that would at least salvage a point and probably save us from an embarrassing defeat. But amidst all the euphoria and tension, somehow we knew he would score. And then it came; a vintage well worked move that saw ‘Him’ produce a fantastic goal, to send the crowd into a frenzy, we were level on 90mins! sublime finish from the one whom we all anticipated would get us out of trouble once more, scoring dramatic goals and late winners was a feature in he’s game we were accustomed to. He ran across a section of the fans charging, fists in the air, and then ‘kissed the badge’. An emotional time, chaotic, wonderful. He would go ahead to register a second in the final 60 secs in added time to give us the much deserved victory. An incredible comeback, all thanks to the brilliance of our star man.

A few weeks after, we would witness a series of events that saw our very own involved in the most unlikely and controversial transfer sagas in recent times. A move that would see him from a place considered as home to an utterly disregarded destination, the home of the enemy, our eternal rivals. It was a sad time for everyone, we had lost the irreplaceable, something never envisaged, though not at the time. It never made any sense really, I asked my self, what it all meant, what was he trying to say when he ‘ kissed the badge’, was he really for us, did we mean anything to him?

A while back, players and fans were almost inseparable; the relationship that existed between the pair was quite literally a ‘match made in heaven’. The fans absolutely adored their sports men, especially the special ones. The players on the other hand felt a deep sense of acceptance and responsibility to ensure profound satisfaction for those they entertained every week; one endeared to the other and vice versa, both LOYAL to each other.

However it’s a different scenario now, as the connection that once was has become almost none existent. The modern day footballer is a professional in every sense; sensitive, detailed, precise, pragmatic, and every other thing that gives him the feeling of being indispensable; an Asset. Such is the case with human nature. As human beings, we all posses the insatiable need for acceptance. A burning desire to be part of something, at whatever level, in whatever endeavour, being the boss of ourselves always wanting control in everything, responsible for our actions, our lives, never accountable to anyone. The Professional epitomises this nature. He’s a man of his own, having no allegiance, no code.

It’s interesting to note how very powerful the modern day footballer is. An integral part in the jigsaw, he is the very essence of the Club’s dealings and affairs. These players at times control the out come of almost every situation, decisions, player signings, and even the fate of managers. Who comes in, who stays, who goes, which system is right etc. one way or another, they(players) find themselves in positions where they too can influence decisions. And then there’s the issue of wages, personal terms, contract extensions and the likes. These are very aware of their position, they know they are assets, and believe the club will do everything possible to keep them. So, they pull out all kinds of tricks necessary in getting the club agree to their demands, fending off interests from prospective suitors or rivals.

There is a growing disenchantment over the footballers’ attitude and focus. Managers often express the difficulty in leading some of these sports men, pointing out their extremely fragile, complex nature, and also the problem of being misunderstood. Things could change very quickly; we may see a stint of poor performances due to a dip in form, or probably unresolved personal issues, and leaving him out of the team may prove detrimental. difficult understanding how this works, because they take things more personally than they did some 15 or 20 years ago. So it’s important for the leader to adjust his skill set accordingly. The art of one-on-one is more or less the best approach.

Without deliberate mentoring, footballers are unlikely to model something better than the society in which they live. Some actually do believe they have no direct connection with the people, others don’t see themselves as models. It’s all about football really. One Barclays Premier League manager illustrates: ‘When I get off a bus, players will go into the dressing room, big earphones on, music blaring, walk past the crowds. I take my pen, go for about 20 to 30 minutes round the bus, signing autographs. I’d rather talk to people, am happy doing that’. These guys have no responsibility to those who watch them weekly, just to themselves, families, work.

Nowadays, it’s almost impossible making sense of what drives a player, what he feels on the training ground or field of play, what motivates him? To some, the terms of their contract, others the glitz and glamour, but a few, it’s the quest to be known as the BEST. However, the big accounts, lucrative endorsements, ‘Goldfish’ status make him the leading man in a result based industry; and by virtue of this position, he believes he’s been brought in to achieve a goal, to do a job. The qualities he possesses makes him in high demand, and so is in charge of his destiny. Always on the move, so whenever he feels it’s right, he will without consideration, without flinching. Constantly breaking hearts. He goes to the next place and its the same all over again, a process that never stops. So where then does LOYALTY lie?!

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This article was published with permission from Omojuwa.com

 

Op-ed pieces and contributions are the opinions of the writers only and do not represent the opinions of Y!/YNaija.

 

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