Their coach kept the halftime pep talk to a minimum, and yet it was enough to reinvigorate his team for the rest of the match. While waiting in the tunnel, Katlego’s motivation for the next half always came from listening to the commentators, who always said the weirdest things, especially during the derbies.

“Haibo, ladies and gentleman, kuyafiwa la eSouth Africa. Somebody give the sun something to drink, because it is blazing here at the Moses Mabhida stadium. Izinja zaKwaMashu versus Ikhokho zaseNuz! Undoubtedly, the country’s biggest rivalry. Questions of importance will be answered today. What is faster to braai to perfection, beef or Boerewors? What is healthier, Amahewu or Amaas? Ikhokho have posted a score of 590. Can the boys from the North chase it down like a dog from the suburbs? Let’s play ourselves a game of Ushumpu and find out.”

They never seemed to disappoint, and Katlego’s visor hid a cynical smile while he was leaving the cool tunnel for the hot court. It had been a while since his defence had been put to the test, even though it was his claim to fame when joining the team.

Each half started off with a new ball so that no team could be accused of having a lighter ball. The game was simple, and it had been that way since Mrs Ples roamed the plains of Africa and, more importantly, it was where Quidditch and dodge-ball borrowed extensively from.

The last thing Katlego remembered was Sanele’s insults towards Anele, calling him transparent. “Hey, what’s wrong with you idiots from eMlazi?” Sanele had said. “Couldn’t you guys get a real white boy? So you chose to take this fake one?”

That was the last comment that came out of that Jackass’s mouth, before Katlego lodged the ball at his helmet. The good news was the silence that followed, since he never said another word after that, but then again, he was unconscious. The bad news was that a blow to the head meant instant disqualification, costing them not only the match, but a real chance of some silverware at the end of the season, and R2 million in prize money.

That did not matter to Katlego, though. He played for the love of the game, not the money, which was a sentiment he soon found out his teammates did not share.

“What the hell is your problem?” Nqobile shouted, throwing her gloves at Katlego.

“I’m sorry, I lost my temper. That idiot just went too far,” Katlego responded.

“Nywe, Nywe I’m sorry. Where does your I’m sorry land us now? Hmm? Nx,” Nqobile said, kicking an ice bucket at Katlego.

“Nqobile, calm down,” Coach intervened.

“Calm down? How do I calm down after Katlego cost the match and probably the whole season? Was he not the one going on about how we should not let what’s-his-face get in our heads?” Nqobile responded.

Mumbles of realisation and agreement vibrated around the change room.

“And what does this self-righteous ass go and do?” Nqobile asked.

“But he was harassing Anele?” Katlego tried saying, but he was shut down by Nqobile.

“What is he? Your child? Does he owe you money? Can’t he defend himself? Why does he need you to defend him anyways? The best way to have shut up what’s-his-face …” Nqobile said, but was cut off as he was about to continue.

“Sanele?” Katlego asked.

“Yes, Sanele, would’ve been by beating him and going to the finals. Not getting disqualified and being placed last,” Nqobile said. “This is all your fault!” she continued, throwing whatever was at arm’s reach and him.

“Okay, that’s enough,” Coach said, embracing Nqobile into his arms, causing her to weep. He then turned to his player in the hot seat. “She has a point. Even I can’t be objective with you right now. Take some time off. In fact, take as much time as you need, and come back when you’re ready to be a team player.”

“But coach,” Katlego said.

“I wasn’t asking you,” Coach responded.

“Ah,” Katlego said, looking around the room.

Everyone was tight-lipped and avoided any form of eye contact with Katlego as he swivelled his head around to look at everyone individually. Even Anele, who somehow seemed to take the world’s longest time to untie his shoes, avoided him.

“Okay then. As you guys wish,” Katlego finally said.

***

Tell us: What do you think needs to happen to people who make nasty comments about people living with Albinism?