Wednesday, July 30, 2008

It's not important that South Africa win any medals, just make sure there aren't too many whites

South African row over race and sports brews ahead of Beijing Olympics.

CAPE TOWN, South Africa (AP) -As athletes around the globe focus on winning gold at the Beijing Olympics, the South African sporting world is embroiled in yet another row about politics and race.

"We are not going to abandon black people who are at the rock bottom,'' Komphela said. "And I'm not ashamed to say black people in this country are on the receiving end; it is time for us to talk about transformation.''

Komphela has a reputation for being outspoken. Last year, he said the government should strip Springbok players of their passports to prevent them from going to France for the rugby World Cup after only two black players were included in the starting lineup. The team went on to win the tournament and one of its black players, winger Bryan Habana, was named player of the year.

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