By Pule Lechesa
It is always a thrill to see another Tebogo Mokoena (detective) novelette written. This new one by Omoseye Bolaji is titled Tebogo and the pantophagist (2010). From the blurb we learn:
“In Tebogo’s seventh (published) adventure, he sets out to ferret out an enigmatic gentleman in the Eastern Cape who is on the cusp of making a discovery that might shake the world. Hence Tebogo (or Solomon Takang as he’s known in this case!) immerses himself again in the teeming underworld where alcohol, drugs and shady ladies hold sway.
Tebogo is doing quite well until he makes the acquaintance of Debbie, another tantalising lady, who seemingly puts the spanner in the works…”
This story is less complicated than the others and the elements of mystery are mainly concentrated in chapters one, and nine. But here I want to emphasise the aspect of the football loving side of the author that emerges again in this new work.
Bolaji has published countless articles on soccer football over the years in newspapers and magazines all over the world. In fact he was one of the first black Africans to contribute lengthy articles on football to the British based international magazine, World Soccer. It is no surprise that sometimes his love for the sport emerges clearly in his works.
Perhaps the most vivid example of this occurs in Bolaji’s play, The subtle transgressor (2006) where one of the characters, Malome reminisces on his time in England, saying:
“You know, I will never forget that my visit to England in June 1990…it was summer then over there though of course it was winter here in South Africa…those white people, they love sports! My stay there coincided with the soccer World Cup in 1990. I never knew those whites could be so emotional! I remember when England had to win against Egypt to make to the next round. Then their defender Mark Wright scored and the whole country was thrown into ecstasy, and Wright became a hero…England got to the semi finals and with their infectious excitement I found myself supporting them. Against…ah, Belgium in the next round the match went into extra time, then David Platt won the game for England with a great volley. England needed penalties to defeat our African team, Cameroon, and then in the semi final they met Germany. I think in those days it was West Germany. Yes. Germany seemed to be winning the game, then Gary Lineker equalised for England…what joy in London at that moment! But the joy turned to tragedy when…ah, Pearce and Waddle missed penalties for England and they could not make it to the final. Imagine England winning the World Cup!”
(Page 33)
In this new work, Tebogo and the pantophagist something along these lines occurs when Tebogo meets William at a “joint” and we read:
‘This was William’s cue to launch into a lengthy speech. He said: “You are very right. I’m a teacher you know, just like you – but I’ve been teaching for many years. In the past in my youth I spent about ten years abroad, in exile (some whites call it ‘voluntary exile’ now to water it down, but those of us involved know the truth! My passion was, still is football…international football. I don’t mind telling you I am writing a book about football; it will be one of the greatest moments of my life when it is published. Sort of capsule of my lifetime love for football,”
“Which club do you support?” I said, wondering whether all this drinking was really good for me! “What club do you write about in the book?”
He stared at me as if a bit disappointed; as if I was so parochial in outlook!
“It’s not gonna be a book about partisan things like clubs,” he said. It’s going to be a book of international interest focusing on extraordinary players, skilful, creative players – those who could unhinge defences. The only thing is that I will try to bring many African players over the decades into the loop. Think of great international players like Pele, like Maradona, like Michel Platini, Ronaldinho, Glenn Hoddle, Pierre Litbarski, Bernd Schuster, Van Basten, Johan Cruyf, Beckenbauer …the all time greats.
“Then there are many African players over the decades who were fantastic. Legendary Eusebio of Portugal was actually from Africa originally, and maybe we can slot in the Zinadine Zidanes, Patrick Vieira (Arsenal great) etc. Thanks to the World Cup, the world knows about the likes of Belloumi, Rabah Madjer (Algeria), Roger Milla (Cameroon), Austin Okocha and Kanu Nwankwo (Nigeria) There are many others not so well known outside Africa; but research and documentaries from previous African Nations Cup finals show their greatness…players like Segun Odegbami, Adokiye Amesiemeka, Youssuf Fofana.
“Of course there’ll be a section about outstanding South African footballers too, like Motaung, Jomo Sono, Shoes Moshoeu, Doctor Khumalo…maybe the World Cup we are hosting (2010) will reveal potentially world class South African players who might be waiting in the wings now…”
(page 42)
There is a nice touch to this new work of Bolaji’s, as he has dedicated the book to Gloria Marobele, the young journalist who died prematurely in a car crash. The cover illustration is by Moses Sebitlo.
* Tebogo and the pantophagist will be launched on January 4 (2010) in the City of Roses
