It shows that commonsense has prevailed. I have no doubt that had it been the World Cup there would have been no question of availability!
I remember in 1995/6 when I had to get permission for the overseas based South African players to be available for the African Cup of Nations I had great difficulties. No one recognised the importance of the competition to the players from the African continent.
However, with F.I.F.A.'s standpoint on the selection and support of the players, credibility has now been given to this event. Many of the clubs who regarded it as a secondary tournament have had to change their ideas and give it their full backing.
What has come out of all of this is an awareness of the need for the world football body to produce a calendar, encompassing all major tournaments that will suit everybody's schedules. Thus allowing players to fulfil their club and national duties without fear of victimisation or of jeopardising their careers.
In the past, South Africans played cricket in summer and football in winter. We have now had to adapt to the European seasons and play the bulk of our football in the summer.
The powers that be have allowed the afternoon matches to start an hour later, easing the strain of playing in the very high temperatures and humiture levels we experience in our summer months.
This reminds me of a game I watched in Kwa Mashu in the 'good old days'. Because of the intense heat the referee walked onto the field with an umbrella. He made some good and some very bad decisions as he never ventured off the centre circle!
Yet another reason to have an umbrella stand at all football stadiums!
Next up: Hellenic against Manning Rangers on Wednesday in Cape Town then the 'Big Castle League Clash' Manning Rangers versus 'Vat Alles' Kaiser Chiefs' at Chatsworth on Saturday afternoon 19 - 1 2002 . Guy Fawkes is on the 5th November - get there for the Big Bang !