Dempsey departs with the truth

I’m reminded of a once popular song by a South African kwaito artist, Senyaka, which asked the question: “Romeo, o swa jang o nkolota?” (Romeo, why do you die when you still owe me?).

Before proceeding, it might be necessary to pay my condolences to the family and those close to Charles Dempsey of the Oceania Football Committee, who is reported to have passed away. I do so because everything that follows will not paint a good picture about my perception of Charles Dempsey.

I remember the day so vividly, when Dempsey sold out on South Africa’s ambitions of hosting the 2006 World Cup finals. We gathered together at the Wits University SRC Building, eagerly awaiting the announcement as to who would host the 2006 finals. Damn, I even missed my classes just to witness this historic announcement in flesh.

The odds were stacked in our favour, because in the likelihood that the other bidding countries fell out, and the vote between Germany and South Africa resulted in a tie, the FIFA President (Sepp Blatter) was to decide on who would become the host nation.

Now Blatter had made it clear prior to the announcement and during his campaign for presidency that Africa’s turn had come. We were in, home and dry. As we were waiting for a 12-12 result from the vote, a 12-11 was announced; and in favor of Germany. To our shock and disgust, Charles Dempsey had abstained from voting (explaining the missing vote in our tally).

Charles Dempsey had a mandate from his association to vote for SA, and Charles Dempsey abstained from the votes. Now Charles Dempsey has gone to the grave, yet to provide an explanation as to “what” twisted his conscience.

Like many South Africans who follow and support local soccer, I was so furious and rightfully so, I felt betrayed. I remember there was also a song titled “Dempsey o lerabele” (Dempsey, you are a counter-revolutionary).

I still maintain the same sentiment, though I must say that I was looking forward to giving Dempsey a warm welcome in 2010.

While some might argue that Dempsey saved us an embarrassment, I’m only glad he exposed how “cunning” the counter-revolutionaries could be.