What the World Cup reminds us about leadership, unity, and community
By Simone Sulcas
South Africa had just drawn level against the Czech Republic, and for a moment, the country seems to move as one – attention fixed, reactions immediate, a shared surge of energy felt across homes and WhatsApp groups. It is a reminder of how quickly a single moment on the field can unite a nation. Their hopes now rest on the final group game against South Korea. (By the time this article appears, Bafana’s fate will already be sealed.)
As the world turns its attention to the 2026 FIFA World Cup, there is something in this spectacle that resonates beyond the pitch, particularly for those of us engaged in communal leadership. Watching those moments of shared attention, I found myself thinking about what it takes for any community to move with that same sense of purpose.
A World Cup team is not simply a collection of talent. It is built on trust, discipline, and shared purpose. Each player brings something different, yet success depends on cohesion. Individuals matter, but it is the collective that carries the result. The same is true of our community at the Cape South African Jewish Board of Deputies. We are diverse in outlook and experience, but united in our commitment to protecting and strengthening Jewish life in the Western Cape.
There is a lesson in that opening moment. Community works best when we are aligned –pulling together and moving in the same direction. Alignment does not mean agreement on every issue; it means knowing what we stand for and showing up for one another when it matters. ‘Stronger together’ is not simply a phrase; it is a discipline, and at times, a choice.
On the field, preparation and adaptability are essential. Coaches study their opponents, adjust tactics, and respond in real time. Leadership demands the same. It also requires clarity about what must be confronted directly. In our context, that means addressing antisemitism firmly and responsibly, while continuing to build relationships, advocate with confidence, and ensure that Jewish life remains visibly and constructively part of South Africa’s broader story. There is no single playbook – only principles, experience, and the will to act.
Elasticity matters, too: the ability to absorb pressure, adjust, and return to purpose without losing shape. Even strong teams face setbacks. What defines them is how they respond. In communal life, challenges are inevitable – moments of pressure, disagreement, and uncertainty. These test our unity and our sense of purpose.
And then there is the crowd. Football without its supporters is unimaginable. The energy, belief, and shared investment elevate the game. Our community is no different. The Board draws its strength from the people it represents – affiliate organisations, volunteers, and engaged members of our community who contribute to a shared whole.
The World Cup also shows how pride in who we are can sit comfortably alongside respect for others. As South African Jews, we know this balance well: deeply rooted in our Jewish heritage, and fully part of the national story.
The best teams are not those without difference, pressure, or uncertainty. They are those who remember what they are playing for. As the tournament unfolds, that may be the reminder we need most.
And to Bafana Bafana: win or lose, I am proud you are there – carrying us with you.
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