Does end justify means?

Mar 07, 2004

I SAY SO<br><br>WHETHER Nicolo Machiavelli also had sports in mind when he coined the phrase “the end justifies the means,” might never be known.

I SAY SO

By James Bakama

WHETHER Nicolo Machiavelli also had sports in mind when he coined the phrase “the end justifies the means,” might never be known.

The Italian political philosopher’s theory nevertheless remains a source of serious debate in sports.

Among the pertinent issues raised in sports, which is largely supposed to be entertainment, is whether it matters how one secures a win.

You have certainly not forgotten the terribly dull but ruthlessly effective Italian style ‘Catennacio’.

The result of the Confederations Cup match between Express and Ethiopia’s Coffee FC at Nakivubo on Saturday is one such case where what happened in the entire game was not reflected in the final result.

The Ethiopians won the hearts of many with their inter-passing game.

As one keen photographer observed, there were only three Express players who were not humiliated with the ball being slipped between their legs by the witty Ethiopians.

If goals were also to be awarded according to general play as is the case in boxing, Express would have lost miserably.

It’s hard to tell whether Express’ spark late in the game was designed or an opportunistic recovery due to their opponents’ dwindling stamina.

Whatever it was, the hosts made the best of the situation and at the end of it all, managed to secure what matters most in football — a win.

This is however no moment for the Red Eagles to chest-thump.

Coffee’s dominance on Saturday was a signal of the huge task that awaits Express in Addis Ababa’s high altitude.

Besides high altitude training, coach James Siang’a should also consider an increase in the number of ball players on his second leg team.

Hassan Mubiru was on Saturday the only Express player who could confidently control a ball, protect it and then make a proper pass.

His colleagues on the other hand justified the reason why we need more academies to teach basics.

With the European leagues steadily sucking fans from our stadia, Express not only need to win, but also draw spectators back to their terraces with entertaining displays.
Isn’t it only then that the end will truly justify the means?

jbakama@newvision.co.ug

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