The fans, who have cheered Makwala at the height of his career, were quick to call for his retirement after his recent showings in the Diamond League. But Makwala has a sharp tongue too and doesn’t hold back. He was curt in telling his fans-turned-detractors off, literally ordering them to go hang. Makwala, in response to calls for his retirement, directed his critics to politicians and said he was not voted to run. In fact no one told him when to start and effectively no one will tell him when to stop.
Fair enough. What Makwala said was nothing but the brutal truth. It’s his career afterall. But was it the necessary truth? Makwala has his emotion and ego and like any of us, he is subject to regular combustions here and there. However, Makwala is not me and you. He is a global brand with a reputation built over the years, to protect.
It was not easy to build the Makwala brand, with the 35-year-old a considerable late bloomer. His hard work in building the brand should not be undone by one Facebook post that set him on a collision course with his fans. He is far bigger than that. The criticism from fans, genuine and fake, comes with the territory. Being famous is a magnet for all things good and bad. Makwala cannot choose how people respond to his performances. In as much as he accepts the praise during the sunny days, he should equally accept the criticism during rainy moments. Being gracious in defeat is the hallmark of maturity. It reminds me of the tale of a tortoise that, due to drought, had to be flown away to some place with water. Two doves agreed to hold the end of the stick, while the tortoise bit the middle of the stick.
The trick was, the tortoise had to keep quiet the entire journey, as just one word or any attempt to open the mouth would spell disaster. Down below, the tortoise heard kids mocking him that he was being flown by the two doves. The tortoise lost his cool and opened his mouth to respond to his critics. The consequences were obviously dire. The English do not say silence is golden without a reason. Now Makwala’s performances have become cannon fodder for the fans who were literally told to shut up. It was as if fate had connived with Makwala’s critics to place him eighth in the next Diamond League race. Quick one-twos.
The Botswana Football Association (BFA) should, as a matter of urgency, consider setting up the Suspension/Dismissals department. There has been a lot going on there that warrants such a dedicated unit. Senior Suspensions and Dismissals Manager; cool title that. Meanwhile, it will be good to have a league of not one but Eleven Angels and plenty of Holy Ghosts. It is up to Mochudi Centre Chiefs to play the devil's advocate; do the unholy thing and stop the Angels from flying into the Premier League.
