I`d like to begin my contribution with the thought that sports in general and football in particular is more than just a “game”. I believe and think that sport is a unifying factor in striving to build bridges for social cohesion in an environment of cultural diversity as well as social inclusion.

In this regard, football a pivot and cement for solidifying human process interaction; and plays a significant in community development for affirmative action and positive youth development.
Very often analogy is made with specific reference to the “games” people play in politics, social interaction, economic activities and/or business encounters.

I am convinced and candidly believe that football unites people more or less and further beyond our imagination and preconceptions. A typical example of this is the current air of euphoria and sensation experienced by more than a million of fans, participants and players in the ongoing FIFA World Cup in South Africa.

It is important to acknowledge however, that the journey to this unique “bitter sweet” harmony of sports symphony, especially in the case of football was never a honey moon roller coaster ride…
The developmental process and evolution of the “Tactics of Direct Action” involved the united efforts of advocacy and activists from three continents (Africa, Europe, and Austrasia). Direction Action Tactics was an initiative and rules of engagement which encompassed a strategic alliance and collective grass root activist approach from South Africa, England, Australia and New Zealand. I am talking about collective grass root activism beginning with the anti-apartheid campaign (1976 post Soweto uprising) through into the Olympic Boycott (Montreal 1978) and the Direct Action Campaign (1971, 1972, 1973) against the Spring Bok Tour in Gisborne city, New Zealand (Operation Everest) and Australia.

Yes! Sport is more than just a “GAME” and stands unequivocally as a unifying force and symbolic tool and weapon against exclusion. Football is undeniably a medium of “HOPE” for our generation and the future of the next generation…

SPORTS  is certainly more than just the “game” that people play!

The sending off of Bafana Bafana Golie  last night was unnecessary and an inappropriate ruling by the referee. The reverse captured images of the scene clearly displayed that and this is for a fact that the Uruguay player was way off side.

All of this is detrimental to the "FAIR PLAY" principles of FIFA. WHAT A CONTROVERSY!?

EVEN THOUGH Sports unite people; however such error referee and linesmen can have divisive impacts thus, harbouring  elements disunity amongst "Die Hard" fans. It is indeed disheartening for the HOST nation South Africa.

Thank you for posting the link to this lovely video and music! It creates such a happy and hopeful atmosphere. The more people find common interests, the more chances there are for mutual understanding. The problem may be that in sports, there are winners and losers, and some people take that too seriously. 

Last Thursday (June 10, 2010) there was an article in the print version of Helsingin Sanomat about how football and individual football players and Didier Drogba in particular have contributed to uniting Ivory Coast internally. That was really positive news!

There is something unique about World Cup Football it being a truly global event, and it now brings Africa to world focus in positive context. I hope that the African nations do well in the matches as well.