The enigma of Mayweather visit

Ever since Floyd Mayweather's trip here was announced by the South African Sports Minister Fikile Mbalula I have been wondering about the purpose of the controversial boxing champion Floyd Mayweather's visit. Well, I am not in the dark anymore because "Money" has said it himself: "I don't know why I'm here but it's good to be in Africa."

Of course it's good to be in Africa, despite all the troubles the continent experiences and you got to love Mayweather for his honesty in this instance. Mbalula has brought to the sport minsitry, which for a long time had been stagnanted by his predecessors. However, the trouble with "Fiks" are two main distractions to his mission:  his love of the party and obsession of for US celebrities.

If Mayweather is here to inspire somebody - youth or boxers - then he does not come fully equipped for that task. This was seen by his late arrival at the Dube Boxing Club in Soweto today. He visibly thrilled by the vociferous welcome he got from the excited youngsters who had packed the little venue. He reciprocated with a stale address, but then motivational talk is not his game.

He is billed to conduct motivational talks in different parts of the country during his week-long tour. Perhaps he will get the catch of the game for such events because back home Mayweather is known more for self-promotion than community projects. In 2011 he was senteneced to 40 days of community service for delaying giving a sworn evidence in court under false pretences. He said he needed more time to recover from injuries,  only to be captured partying on the scheduled day for the deposition.

So far he is lucky no one has asked him about his 2012 conviction for battery, after he beat up his ex-girlfriend in front of their children. In a country like South Africa where abuse of women and children is rampant, visiting personalities with such reputations should be viewed with some level of reservation.

Mayweather has done well for himself to be where he is as an international sport icon. Only hard work and dedication can keep an athlete at the top of his game for so long. This means therefore the man does have admirable qualities that should inspire masses without him even uttering a word.

Welcome to motherland indeed, Floyd. Here's hoping this visit will help reconstruct your perspective towards life, as much as you wish to help reshape the lives of the youngsters you are supposed to inspire with your visit here.

Knowledge is key for Bafana

Man to watch. . . Abdoulaye Sissoko, left, shows why he's the man to mark when Mali meet South Africa today.

Sidibe, Traore, Sissoko, Diarra, Coulibaly. . . these are the names any Mali football team is likely to have. Mali players are characteristically lanky and muscular. They play in a semi-professional league which is largely based in the capital Bamako, with very little organised football in far-flung regions of the massive country. Given this usual background about Mali football, what's there to fear for South Africa ahead of their Chan 2014 fixture this evening?

Well, Mali beat Nigeria 2-1 in their opening match, and their tactical aptitude and aggressive approach were a delight to watch in that match. Does this now mean restless time for Bafana Bafana? It should not be. Mali is not Bafana's problem, self-doubt is what limits the host team.

Fair enough, it was Mali which kicked South Africa out of the Afcon 2013, at the quarterfinals. Ironically, SA is he host again and today it needs victory over Mali to advance to the quarterfinals of Chan early. Bafana are under pressure to do well, not only because they are host but also that this tournament is played by home-based players. This means SA must defend the reputation which came from the self-promotion by its league, the PSL, as the best league on the continent.

Gordon Igesund and his team are therefore facing additional challenge over a frivolous matter. Just because we are rich does not mean we are the best. And if I am wrong about this, well, Chan is here. Let's take the damn thing and then gloat about being the best league in Africa, if that is such an important thing.
Mali looked good against Nigeria but today is a new ball game - 11 against 11 from the first whistle.

Bafana must use their strengths to the best of their ability, these being speed and darting moves to ward off the physical advantage of the Malians. I don't see why Bafana must feel the pressure; their mission for a positive result is achievable if they focus on the job at hand and forget silly antics.

Above all, knowledge is power. Bafana must have learnt everything there is to know about their opponent: watch Abdoulaye Sissoko upfront and find way past Ousmane Keita and Mahamadou Traore in defence. If panic sets in during the match it will be of their (Bafana) own doing, not because of any outside force.