I have been asked on numerous occasions since the show began what I thought about the All Whites performance at the World Cup in South Africa but as I didn’t see any of their matches (due to the hours they played as opposed to my lack of interest) I am unable to comment other than to say that it seems, by all accounts, they must have performed gallantly.

Will their efforts cause the groundswell of public support to continue and thus reposition the game in this country? I am not so sure.

The reason I say this is because it seems to me us Kiwis have become increasingly reliant on the ‘need’ to win in order to remain engaged meaning our willingness as a nation to support a global sport is something of a challenge. This, in my opinion, is due to our endemic insecurities and therefore our inherent need to be seen by those beyond our shores as capable and successful and thus as worthy human beings – not as an irrelevant group that occupies a piece of paradise at the bottom of the world.

Perhaps a relevant question I could ask however, assuming you have enjoyed the spectacle, is what has it done for you? Have you, as a consequence of the All Whites success, pondered your views of you? Have you felt better about yourself or being the person you are? By that I mean as a New Zealander. Have you in any way gained a larger vision of yourself? Has it given you a greater sense of self that may encourage you to alter your beliefs about you and therefore inspire you to change the way you operate?

As Sep Blatter and Co have endeavoured to remind us, sport has the potential to change humanity. Not just by enabling us to bear witness to the wonderful spectacle of elite sport, or through the celebration of successes or by challenging our prejudices or consoling old foes in the midst of their losses but by challenging people’s perception of themselves.

For example, just imagine what could happen if our kids were to come away with a sense that anything is possible? Imagine what could happen if they not only marvelled at the magic of such athleticism but at the majesty and potential of humanity? Imagine what could happen if we had the wisdom to leverage such events in the minds of our next generation? Imagine what could happen to those immediately around you if you chose to believe – not just in yourself, but in them and all others as well?

The point I make is the World Cup presents us (mankind) with an opportunity to change the course of history – but only if we leverage it. If we don’t, it isn’t the end of the world. But if we do, things could improve. For Africa of course the situation is very real. Years of disease, famine and corruption have not only starved the continent of the most basic human needs but equally, it has undermined their ability to advance as a group of nations. Will the cup’s appearance harness the potential that resides there or will it be remembered as a costly and divisive moment in the regions colourful but traumatic history?

I for one, however, remain hopeful that our leaders, whether they be our politicians, our managers, our teachers or our parents will appreciate the significance of leadership; and with it the ability to challenge and develop, in order to cause others to not only strive to advance as an individual but to do it in such a way that it enables others to as well. If we each play our part, we will create change - however if we rely on others to do it for us, we will continue to lose out.

For that reason I recommend you give some thought as to how you, in the situation you are currently in, believe you could add greater value to those you interact with. Whether we like it or not, whether we think about it or not, society, indeed humanity, needs us to excel.

©1995-Present day. All rights reserved _ Steel Performance Solutions