I have been a sports fan all my life.
For all too long July has been the month of my fanaticism. Premier league is in recess. Psl is on their hiatus, and most of the big leagues are also on a break. In the old days (I use this term loosely) the Super rugby competition would have drawn to a close as well. So as soon Wimbledon ended, and I had come done from the high of the spectacular “razzmatazz” (Sure Cde Mbaks) of Vodacom’s Durban July. I would’ve been up the creek without the proverbial paddle!
Luckily this year has been different. Firstly, it is Olympic year! Secondly the Super rugby competition has been stretched out like the Eden Hazard transfer saga. And thirdly, the Proteas are on tour to England. These three spectacles, have kept me busier than cde. President in a girl’s dormitory. All of them have taken my emotions to the highest high one moment, and to the lowest low, the next. A bit like listening to an Imogen Heap cd I suppose.
My Lions have performed admirably. At times. But have shown the dearth in class at critical moments between them and the quality sides in the competition. I was optimistic at the start of the season. Having just conquered the domestic competition, I truly believed my boys would be competitive. I thought we’d protect home base. And possibly steal a couple of close ones locally. But it was not to be. The highlight was a stellar performance against a Sharks team looking for five points at the “Park of Pain”. (yes ,I still call it that). My optimism for next season, is back in the doldrums. What with the Currie Cup winning coaching formula being dissolved! I’m weary of our chances in the Currie Cup despite being defending champions. And at this point, I’m not even sure we’ll be competing in next seasons Super Competition. (On that note, allow me to thank SARU for the mother of all balls ups-Nice one lads!)
The cricket has been up to my usually high expectations. I’m convinced we have the best team in the world. And I don’t think there’s been a better balanced SA side since readmission. Everybody’s on top of their game. And in Gary Kirsten, they have a World cup winning coach! Watching the assured nature of cricket from day two through to five in the first was magnificent. Truly! I hope-and expect-more success from Biff and his boys as they play this series no doubt for the fallen soldier Mark Boucher.
Cameron Van Der Burgh, Chad Le Clos, and the Mens lightweight rowing four have combined to make this Olympics showpiece an amazing event for me. I’m not crazy about showpiece events that come about every four years, and sometimes cast aspersions on some great athletes. But these games have been really good so far. I suppose mainly because of the euphoria created by the warriors I spoke of. Either way, it’s been the showpiece event for me, it is for lovers of such a competition.
May there be many more July’s like this one!
