“And we’re back,” Jillian said after the break. “In studio, we’re joined by the Captain of Izinja zaKwaMashu, Sanele Mhlongo, winners of this year’s UPL, Ushumpu Premier League, for all those squares out there. How does it feel being one of the richest athletes in the country, well soon to be?”

“I don’t know, I haven’t processed it,” Sanele responded.

“I see,” Jillian said. “Have you processed the news of being left out of the national team? I mean, the African Indigenous Games are right around the corner. Imagine not being able to represent your country as it host’s the most anticipated sporting event in the country, and quite possibly the continent.”

“Look, if the country comes in the way of my money, I’ll offer them my much-needed talent,” Sanele responded. “As you can see, that team needs a leader, and I’ll only go if I am elected captain. As for that (censored) called Katlego, I do not think he is getting anywhere near national representation. Especially with that style of play of his.”

“Hmm, bold words,” Jillian said. “Well, sports fans, that’s all we have for tonight. Before I go, let me leave you with this. Both of the country’s best Shumpu stars have been left out of the national squad. Is this due to politics or to simply debate over who is the better? If a panel in suits cannot decide, maybe the country can decide for them … Who is better, Sanele Mhlongo or Katlego Nene? Let us know on social media. This is Jillian, and this has been the Shava Hour, saying goodnight.”

“What the hell?” Katlego shouted at the TV, throwing his arms in protest before the pain in them brought them back down. “Is Jillian really comparing me to that thing called Sanele? People will do anything for ratings these days,” he groaned.

While Katlego was busy, there was a knock on the door that startled him, causing him to slip and land not only on his face, but also his arm. “Ow,” he mumbled into the floor as the knocking continued. Once he got to the door, he was surprised to find Anele standing by the door.

“What are you doing here?” Katlego asked.

“I’m fine, thanks for asking,” Anele responded, pushing his friend aside on his injured arm as he entered his home.

“You haven’t answered my question. I asked you what are you doing …” Katlego said.

“Nor have you mine,” Anele interrupted. “Look, this may sound rude, but please understand it comes from a good place.”

Instead of responding, Katlego scratched the back of his head and waited for his friend to speak. He was confused, and he needed an explanation on the sudden outpouring of emotion. Had Sanele done something and needed to be sorted out, even if he had an injured arm.

“I know you were just trying to help and you thought you were trying to protect my feelings, but that’s where the problem lies. You were thinking,” Anele said.

“Excuse me!” Katlego responded.

“Let me explain. Firstly, who said I needed your help in protecting me from people making fun of me because of the way I look?” Anele said. “I didn’t sleep one colour and wake up another. I’ve had people bully, tease, or look at me funny just because I’ve got, I don’t know, blue eyes,” he shrugged. “Even though we both know that’s not the real reason they look at me funny. Although admirable, it makes you no different to Sanele. In fact, it makes you worse,” he continued, scratching the bottom of his chin.

“Worse, how?” Katlego shouted.

“All Sanele needs is to be educated on how to speak to people that are different from him,” Anele responded. “Whether he knows this and said what he said on purpose in an effort to get into my head is a different story. With you it’s a different story because you know better. Like I said, you thought you were helping and thinking isn’t your strongest quality. If you could, we would not be having this conversation. We would be going to the finals, not disqualified for starting a fight, and you would not be left out of the national team. So please leave the thinking to those who can.”

Katlego remained silent for a long time before responding. “Please leave before I say something I will regret,” he said softly.

“Okay,” Anele agreed, lifting his hands up. “But can I at least have a slice of pizza?”

“Yes, in fact take the whole box,” Katlego said before showing him the door with a smile on his face.

“You handled this far better than I thought you would,” Anele said between bites, and giving the pizza a funny look.

“You showed me the error of my ways, and I have left the thinking to those who can,” Katlego said, shrugged before closing the door and leaning against it.

***

Tell us: What do you think about what Anele said to Katlego?