Serero-gate: A player’s perspective Ayanda Patosi gives KickOff a thoughtful and in-depth perspective on Thulani Serero pulling out of the Bafana Bafana squad. It is not always easy to understand a player’s decision, unless you have been in a similar situation. Patosi, who has just returned from an eight-month injury lay-off, sympathises with the now vilified Ajax Amsterdam man. It has been five days, and yet it is still the focal point of football discussions in South Africa. More surprisingly though, is the fact that the Belgian press have covered Serero’s club-versus-country debacle as well, and he doesn’t even form part of their league. The battle of which badge is more important is universal and complex, with opinions often crafted based on your own beliefs rather than analysing a player’s individual situation. Serero has been chastised for not wanting to risk a tight groin muscle for Bafana, in the run-up of what is a very important period for Ajax Amsterdam. The fear of another long-term injury, when he has finally broken back into the Dutch side, is the underlining factor. Serero’s Ajax Amsterdam injury troubles In September last year, after scoring three times in the four games he was involved in for Ajax at the start of the season, Serero tore his groin muscle. The diagnosis was that he would be out for a minimum of three months – putting him in danger of missing the 2013 Africa Cup of Nations in January. ‘Cream’s’ rehabilitation was ahead of schedule, and despite not being completely match-fit for the tournament, with Igesund revealing the player was around “60, 65 per cent” ready, he was part of the squad – and sparingly used. Ajax were annoyed at his inclusion as they felt he would have been better off continuing his comeback in Holland and eased into competitive action with the reserves, especially since he was hardly used in the tournament – clocking up just 73 minutes in total. Ajax obviously did not make their discontent publically known. They didn’t need to; they had a few players who could fill in for Serero, who did well in his absence. After his return from the tournament (in January) to the end of the season (May), Thulani only played five times for the club, with his longest run-out being 39 minutes. He was paying for putting his country first, despite not being fully fit – and putting Ajax at risk of paying another huge medical bill. It is probably impossible to understand, and completely unfair to judge Serero unless you have been in his situation. Somebody who has a similar tale is Patosi. Patosi: Back in the fold for Lokeren The 20-year-old Patosi, who is one of Lokeren’s top assets, has just returned from an eight-month injury lay-off. He was called up for Bafana’s preliminary Afcon squad, but felt his ankle twinge during the training camp. His club wanted him to return to Belgium, and so he did. He shook off the niggle, but within a month he was ruled out with a knee injury. “When I went to the doctor and he said I will be out for six months, I couldn’t believe it,” Patosi tells KickOff. “It was like he was talking in slow motion. It has been around eight months now, because I had my operation in January, and I’ve only played my first game back last week.” Club loyalty overrides national pride “In December, when I was in the training camp for Bafana, I was really happy. I was waiting for a call-up for so long. My host family and my teammates know that I was always talking about it and every time I would look at the squad, hoping I would be there. “But when I felt my ankle, and my club didn’t want me to risk myself further, I had to understand their decision. They are the people who gave me this opportunity, that take care of me every day, that pay me, that pay for my operations … “I can only imagine that it was such a difficult decision for Thulani. He went all the way there, felt his muscle and then must have thought about all the times he had to sit in the stands and watch his teammates play. I still think about how I had to do that when I was injured.” Patosi’s eight-month lay-off was partly due to him playing through the pain. “I could feel I had a strain, but I would get an injection and play, so I thought I was fine. I even scored against Leuven [his last game before being sidelined], so I thought ‘that’s the injury gone’. “But the pain didn’t go away, it became worse, so I went to the doctor and that’s when he told me my cruciate ligament was damaged. I told myself then that never again will I risk myself. If I feel something, I will say it, and I won’t play. I am trying to build my career. I can’t spend more months on the sidelines – then I’m useless for my club and my country.” Serero should not be compared to Messi or Ronaldo Patosi understands Serero’s situation, because he has lived a comparable version. That is in contrast to people mentioning the likes of Cristiano Ronaldo and Leo Messi when talking about Thulani’s ‘betrayal’ – those two are guaranteed starters for their club. Serero is not. Those two are well settled in their careers. Serero is not. Those two can hold their clubs ransom. Serero cannot. “It is a dream to represent your national team, it is an honour and also good for growth in your career,” adds Patosi. “I can see that Thulani was put in a difficult situation, and he did the right thing by not risking it, especially since his groin has been a problem for him. “I’m sure he just kept thinking of his injury and how miserable it is not to play. He has a few days for Ajax to work on it now and hopefully he comes right and plays against Kamohelo Mokotjo on the weekend because that is important for Bafana.” Give young players room to develop their careers “The young players are the future, but also, don’t be too hard on us, remember that we also have to build careers, feed our families and make decisions like you do in your job. I am 20, but I have to make decisions with my entire family in mind, it is not always easy.” Patosi’s perspective on the Serero situation is probably the closest indication of the inner war for players whenever you’re forced into choosing between club and country. It is definitely a lot easier for us to judge their decision, than it is for them to actually make it. Article by: Melissa Reddy
Posted on: Wed, 11 Sep 2013 11:59:42 +0000
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