UJ Goalkeeper, Lona Richard Banga won the Man of the Match award for his heroics against VUT. As a consequence, Banga received the green armband to show everyone he is part of the #SpeakUp campaign and he told Varsity Football he supports it with all his heart.
Varsity Football: How does it feel to win the green armband?
Banga: Honestly it’s amazing, it feels great to be part of the players that get selected to wear it and show awareness and allow people to know more about the campaign.
Varsity Football: What does the #SpeakUp campaign mean to you?
Banga: It’s an important campaign as it makes us aware of how important it is to speak up, especially when you’re going through something. Speaking up will allow you as an individual to get help at a very early stage and make you realise that you’re not alone and that there’s always someone ready to help you or listen to your story.
Varsity Football: How can you meaningfully influence the issue around this campaign?
Banga: Well, since I’m very active on social media I could use the hashtags and speak up about certain things that I’ve managed to overcome or I currently need help with, basically people will be able to use the same hashtags and know that there’s always someone willing to help and listen to your story.
Varsity Football: Why is it important for Universities to take a stand on social issues?
Banga: Universities are really important as this is where many youngsters get to experience life differently and are exposed to a lot of things and that can be a lot for the students. So for Universities, they need to take a stand as most of the students or individuals’ life is spent in it and this way they can grab the attention quicker and faster than they expected.
Varsity Football: How can you promote the #SpeakUp culture?
Banga: I can promote it through social media and also wearing the green band every time I play or train as it can raise awareness and questions will be asked, meaning a lot of people will be aware of it.
Varsity Football: How can you ensure psychological safety within your team?
Banga: Ensuring that there’s a specific way we can speak to each other cause we don’t know what each person is going through and just also influencing them to speak up when they have problems, especially to the ones they’re close to.
Varsity Football: How would you know that a person needs help, concerning the #SpeakUp campaign?
Banga: In terms of people who are involved heavily in your life you can tell when they need help, their actions towards you change and that should be enough for you to notice that something is wrong. When such is the case one should already be looking to always be there for the person and not let the person feel as though they’re alone in any situation.
Varsity Football: Any message to the fans or those who might require any help?
Banga: The only message I can send to the fans and everyone that might need help is they should speak up and understand that #SpeakUp is there for them and also speaking up will allow them to realise they are never alone in any situation. The key word is to speak, not just to anyone but speak to someone who you think is going to help you overcome a situation and if you feel like you don’t have anyone, the #SpeakUp campaign is there for you.
Varsity Football: Thank you for the inspirational words.
Speak Up! Watch out for your roommate, your classmate, your flatmate, and your teammate – depression and related illnesses can be treated – get help! Let’s take the “I” out of illness and replace it with “we” for wellness!
For more details about the #SpeakUp campaign and a list of all the help centres at university campuses across South Africa click HERE.
Meanwhile, Banga and his teammates will return to action on Thursday as Varsity Football returns this week when UJ will ost UKZN at the UJ Campus at 18:30. You can get information on how to get tickets here.
By Gontse Mabale.
