Speculation is that Safa and Benni McCarthy's managers may clear the furore that McCarthy caused, by forgiving each other and letting the spoilt striker back.

Speculation is that Safa and Benni McCarthy's managers may clear the furore that McCarthy caused, by forgiving each other and letting the spoilt striker back.

Now, where would that leave the emotions of the South African multitudes (including coach Parreira), who are fed up with being disappointed by McCarthy?

Previous excuses were: "important games for Porto; wife being pregnant; cementing position at Blackburn ..." for an away game to Zambia. Now it's, "Mubarak must apologise ..."

Who knows what's next? These things happen while soldiers such as Macbeth Sibaya travel with Bafana just after losing his father.

Provided all is cleared, it would be bad to immediately select McCarthy for the next games.

The coach and the nation's emotions have been compromised. Now a message must be sent to any other would-be rotten potato. Let McCarthy be left out for a long time and a precedence be set that we can do without prima donnas.

This will strengthen competence amongst players and lift their morale (by showing) that they are equally valued.

Mothusi Motlhabi,

Mafikeng