THE BLUEBELLS UNITED
STORY
The Place: Lenasia
The Year: 1957
The Option: Organized Professional Soccer in Lenasia?
NEVER!
The Year: 1964: A youngster receives a
tremendous spanking from his father for riding around with “big Bluebells”
singing “Vande Matheram” all around Lenasia. Sometimes in the latter half of
1969, another youngster boards a train at Johannesburg, Durban-bound for his
first professional game. Throughout the long, lonely journey, he ponders the
possibilities of his own team turning professional. And so we pass on to 1973,
the turning point in National Soccer. Here we find a madman (surely), nervous
perched on the steps of Johannesburg City Hall, hoping to hear a Favorable
result of his club’s Memorandum to the City Council. Whilst, inside, that
dynamic lone Progressive party City Councilor is heard at the top of her voice:
“Why does this Policy not apply to the other codes of sport?” These were but a
few of the touching moments that launched Transvaal’s first professional team.
These were but some of the great moments that gave birth to South Africa’s most
progressive club.
THE BLUEBELLS UNITED
STORY
Introduction by:
P.R.Naiker.
Story by: V.G. Naidoo
When the annals of South African sport are
rewritten, the story of Bluebells United shall be retold, for surely no other
club has suffered for principles of soccer as they have done. From virtual
obscurity in 1964, to recognition by F.I.F.A., the world body, in 1974; that is
no mean achievement. Words and words would hopelessly fail to serve a yardstick
for their success, which can only be measured in the Loyalty, dedication,
determination, perseverance and utter selflessness shown by these gallant
men.
In 1962, when the Natalspruit Sports Ground
was finally closed, everybody accepted the situation “as one of those things”.
In 1963, a handful of youngsters, then students at the Lenasia Primary School,
decided to form their own club after successfully playing together as a
representative school team in Durban. Naturally, this resulted in Differences
between the players and their previous clubs. Here was born the first
characteristic of this famous club, Determination; and so it came to pass that
Lenasia’s first independent junior team came into
being.
The following year the Dynamos Junior
Football Club, as they called, affiliated to the Lenasia Junior Football
Association. Many problems arose due to the lack of finance. Then when the club
was finally faced with a state of collapse, Sivil Pillay stepped in with an
offer to the club to serve as a subsidiary of the Bluebells Football Club.
Although the team enjoyed a fruitful season, winning all games on the field,
they lost all protest. Through all this the youngsters remained passive and
sought to strive for recognition. Thus in 1965, they once more affiliated to the
Lenasia Junior Football Association, and Vincent Naidoo, then Secretary of the
Bluebells Football Club, took the boys under his wing. Dissatisfaction with the
mother-body forced the resignation of Vincent Naidoo, as this young man and his
band of even younger followers began the unenviable task of rebuilding, both
support and morale.
With the loyal support of youngsters, the
likes of Louis Jeevanantham, Alan Moonsamy, Farouk Hassen, Richard Frank and
Rodney Moonsamy, the club persevered, ultimately winning the Junior League. At
the Annual General Meeting held in February, 1966, it was decided that the club
should not disband, but seek affiliation to the LFA’s Senior League. The name
“Bluebells”, which was honored and respected, was to be retained, and “United”
was added to signify the loyalty and unified conceptions of all the members.
This action brought new men to the club. Persons such as Jay Ramdin. Patrick
Naicker, Silvyn Naidoo, further strengthened the club and administration, and
the Bells have never looked back.
Success followed success, Bluebells United
became Lenasia’s ambassadors of soccer, gaining promotion to the First Division
In 1967, and they won the first League. Not only on the playing field did they
prove their qualities most also in administration.1967 saw the revitalizing of
soccer in Lenasia. Bluebells United were proud to have almost complete control
of the Lenasia Football Association. B.G.Naidoo, succeeded the late Sababathi
Pillay as President of L.F.A. Vincent Naidoo became Secretary and Patrick Naiker
Records Clerk. The administrative ability of Bluebells United was clearly
demonstrated during the L.F.A. Tenth Anniversary Celebrations which was
masterminded by Vincent Naidoo.
During the latter part of 1967 Vincent Naidoo
gave notice for the L.F.A. to seek affiliation to the Transvaal Soccer Board.
The motion was defeated and signs of Bluebells United’s exodus were already
showing. Bluebells United most appropriately annexed the Tenth Anniversary
Knock-out Competition. In 1968 they became double League Champions (undefeated)
and also annexing the First Division Knock-out. Ever striving for higher
principles, and realizing that the LFA would serve its ties with the Transvaal
Indian Football Association, they sought affiliation to, and were accepted by
the Southern Transvaal Football Union, in May 1969. Although not attaining any
major honors, they proved their worth and were reinstated as a contending team
in the then Premier League. In 1970, Louis Jeevanantham returned to his club
after a spell in the National League with Maritzburg City.The same year the club
was honored to have Louis Jeevanantham , Alan Moonsamy, Prega Thandrin and Goona
Padayatchi selected for the Transvaal United team. This was also the year the
acquired the services of top coach Billy Morgan, and Yousef
Eshack.
1971 saw Agnat Mohamed included in the
Transvaal United line up. The Bells had by now firmly established themselves as
a champion team, and had consolidated a position of demand. Then followed the
INVITATION from the Federation to join Professional ranks, notwithstanding the
fact that they had no suitable ground available, the challenge was accepted, and
the struggle began. From Curris Fountain to the Athlone Stadium, from Northdale
to the dust-bowl of Queens park, the Bells ventured on, carving their name in
the pages of soccer.
BELL PARK
In a bid to obtain a suitable playing venue
in Lenasia, the Bells spent in excess of R1500.00, in a vain attempt to erect
their own grounds. This noble venture was tragically thwarted by the ignoble
efforts of some opposition parties. To the brave men of Bells United, this move
only resulted in their further unity and rededication in the struggle for soccer
freedom. When it would have been so easy to resign, and return to the ranks of
racial football, these men hung on to their principles in the fervent hope that
one day these disappointments would be repaid with success
DR. SELMA BROWDE:
This noble lady took up the plight of
Bluebells United. What followed is history. In her own valiant manner, she
fought for justice. The long-drawn battle, and the years of struggle culminated
in success, for July, 1973, the gates of the Lenasia Stadium were finally thrown
open to the Federation.
THE BRAVADOS OF BELL
PARK:
On the eve of the club’s Ninth ANNUAL General
Meeting, a message of goodwill was received from the F.I.F.A. Headquarters,
signed by Dr Helmut Kaser (Secretary), wishing the club well for the future. The
road was long, seemed almost endless, but these gallant en never lost sight of
their ideals and principles, and in so doing, finally conquered against
overwhelming odds. In July 1973, Bluebells United provided Lenasia with finest
Tournament ever staged in Transvaal. The Tournament was staged to recoup the
tremendous losses the suffered. The biggest crowd to date witnessed Bluebells
United beat Cape town Spurs 2-0 in the Tournament.
The 1973 season ended with the league
play-off between Cape Town Spurs and Bells. A goalless draw resulted in Spurs
winning the league and thousand of Bells supporters were seen crying as they
walked out of the Lenasia Stadium.
The financial strain plus the winning of both
their own and Amrit Bowan Tournaments were too much for them to have taken on.
At the commencement of the 1974 Season Bells became the first team to bring
glory to the Transvaal by being the first to win a competition. Billy Morgan and
his gallant boys in March, 1974 annexed the Top Four Competition. During 1974
Bells had a disastrous season. The only memorable occasion was the staging of
the second Tournament, once providing their fans top class soccer and very
little profits. The SASF Pro League Executive was badly criticized at the end of
that season when Prega Thandrin was overlooked as Footballer of the Year. It
took Bluebells Officials and fans a long time to come over
this.
In 1975 Bells once more started off badly. At
the end of the season they were badly placed on the league log. The biggest
setback during this season was the controversial Johannes Kholane Cases and the
dramatic resignation of Vincent G. Naidoo. Just before the semifinal after
defeating Swaraj, Bells Executive handed over the Club to a board of directors.
This move was badly criticized by ardent Bells supporters but this was the only
suitable solution to save the club. Akbar Moola headed the Board of Directors of
Bluebells United. Bells traveled to Durban to meet Cape Town Spurs in the K.O.
Finals. Thousand of Bells Supporters all over the Country traveled to Durban for
the most controversial match of the SASF Pro League. All the same Bells
unofficially declared themselves Knock-Out Champions of the 1975
season.
1967 was a season of many disappointments and
Bells losses seemed to mount up much more. Nevertheless, 1977 seen a rejuvenated
Bells and they finally reached the K.O. Finals to be sadly beaten by Manning
Rangers. In 1978 Akbar Moola was succeeded by Soobiah Kollokpen was head of
Bells Administration and witnessed a year of many personality
clashes within the SASF Pro League Administration. During the latter part of
1978 the three Transvaal Clubs, Bells United, Swaraj and Dynamos staged a
walk-out during a Special General Meeting OF SASF Pro League. In 1979 Bluebells
United were once more honored when the world body F.I.F.A extended an invitation
to Vincent Naidoo as one of the guests of the opening of the new F.I.F.A. House.
The invitation was officially signed by the F.I.F.A. President Dr. Joa
Havelange. The invitation also coincided with Vincent Naidoo’ tour to London as
one of the entrants to do an Administrative Course with F.A. Opposition parties
reacted strongly and the visit was called off after tremendous
pressure.
In 1979 Bells, together with Swaraj and
Dynamos joined NPSL. Strange as it seems the team with the largest support Bells
were placed in 2nd Division. This move angered Bells supporters not only in
South Africa but all over the world .Were Bells used this time to completely
destroy Federation in Transvaal? Joining the NPSL was like killing two birds wit
one stone. Destroying Federation Professional Football in Transvaal and at the
same time destroying the club that had caused football progress on a proper
non-racial basis in South Africa. The prediction was partly true for Blue bells
United, and only professional Team recognized by the world body F.I.F.A. is no
more BUT the SASF Pro League although struggling is still
alive.
THE REVIVAL
We now pass on to the year 1980 with Louis
Jeevanantham, Rodney and Derrick Moonsamy and Hassen Lorgat Bluebells United
formed several junior teams. Later that year the services of honest men like
Aboo Mia, Blikkies Bismilla, Vadivel(Devi) Pillay, Hannif
Mutalib, Dr. Chiboo, Moha Solanki, Bonnie sequira and many more followed.
For Bluebells United there is no end for like some ardent supporters once said,
“It is not only a legend but also a religion. The name Bluebells is something
you cannot miss in Lenasia. The area where Louis Jeevanantham, Alan Moonsamy and
Roland James lives is affectionately Known as “Bluebells City”, whilst the
street where the loyal Bluebells cheer lord, Vella “Naggie” Padiachee lives is called Blubell
Avenue.
Not only has the Bluebell religion swept all
over Lenasia but Through South Africa and the entire world. East London and Port
Elizabeth Bluebells are still in existence, while ex-South Africans two years
ago were responsible for the formation of
Toronto Bluebells. Plymouth Bluebells in the South of England has
progressed rapidly and it is predicted that this same team will be eventually
Professional to the English Professional League the next decade. Vincent Naidoo
was fortunately present at the India Football Association’s league final early
in January to see Ahmadabad Bluebells victors over Delhi Afghan. How heartening
was it for him to discover that the League Champions of Andra Pradesh Is non
other than Bluebells from his own home town the Hills of
Tirumali.
FIVE GREAT MEN WHO COULD PROMISE A GREAT FUTURE
It was once predicted that Louis
Jeevanantham, Alan Moonsamy, Rattin Padiachee, Terry Jeevanthan and Prega Thandrin will one day be holding the reigns of Bluebells United. The
time has come for these loyal men to get together and do just
that.
Bluebells United Supporters all over the
world expressed their deep sense of gratitude to these gallant men. How can
anyone ever forget their sacrifices? When players with less their ability were
making tons of money out of football, our five great boys were hanging on to
their own club, spending their own money for the sake of launching Non-racial
Professional Football and bringing Federation to Lenasia.
It is hoped that the SASF will treat Prega
Thandin’s application for re-instatement kindly. Te good should overweigh the
not so good. Lest we forget the great work done by him at School soccer and
Athletics. Who has contributed more to the game the people playing football and
those who create footballers or the policy makers? Football to be played on
proper Non-racial basis has been for such men.
Just like their predecessors they sacrifice
unselfishly. Today nobody can afford to be indifferent to the name “Bluebells”.
They who have sacrificed themselves no end, paving the way for others, so that
eventually all may benefit.
“Vande Matheram”- Onward to
victory.
Bluebells United promise that as long as
football is played on a proper non-racial basis we will always be around.
The Year: 1957
The Option: Organized Professional Soccer in Lenasia?
NEVER!
The Year: 1964: A youngster receives a
tremendous spanking from his father for riding around with “big Bluebells”
singing “Vande Matheram” all around Lenasia. Sometimes in the latter half of
1969, another youngster boards a train at Johannesburg, Durban-bound for his
first professional game. Throughout the long, lonely journey, he ponders the
possibilities of his own team turning professional. And so we pass on to 1973,
the turning point in National Soccer. Here we find a madman (surely), nervous
perched on the steps of Johannesburg City Hall, hoping to hear a Favorable
result of his club’s Memorandum to the City Council. Whilst, inside, that
dynamic lone Progressive party City Councilor is heard at the top of her voice:
“Why does this Policy not apply to the other codes of sport?” These were but a
few of the touching moments that launched Transvaal’s first professional team.
These were but some of the great moments that gave birth to South Africa’s most
progressive club.
THE BLUEBELLS UNITED
STORY
Introduction by:
P.R.Naiker.
Story by: V.G. Naidoo
When the annals of South African sport are
rewritten, the story of Bluebells United shall be retold, for surely no other
club has suffered for principles of soccer as they have done. From virtual
obscurity in 1964, to recognition by F.I.F.A., the world body, in 1974; that is
no mean achievement. Words and words would hopelessly fail to serve a yardstick
for their success, which can only be measured in the Loyalty, dedication,
determination, perseverance and utter selflessness shown by these gallant
men.
In 1962, when the Natalspruit Sports Ground
was finally closed, everybody accepted the situation “as one of those things”.
In 1963, a handful of youngsters, then students at the Lenasia Primary School,
decided to form their own club after successfully playing together as a
representative school team in Durban. Naturally, this resulted in Differences
between the players and their previous clubs. Here was born the first
characteristic of this famous club, Determination; and so it came to pass that
Lenasia’s first independent junior team came into
being.
The following year the Dynamos Junior
Football Club, as they called, affiliated to the Lenasia Junior Football
Association. Many problems arose due to the lack of finance. Then when the club
was finally faced with a state of collapse, Sivil Pillay stepped in with an
offer to the club to serve as a subsidiary of the Bluebells Football Club.
Although the team enjoyed a fruitful season, winning all games on the field,
they lost all protest. Through all this the youngsters remained passive and
sought to strive for recognition. Thus in 1965, they once more affiliated to the
Lenasia Junior Football Association, and Vincent Naidoo, then Secretary of the
Bluebells Football Club, took the boys under his wing. Dissatisfaction with the
mother-body forced the resignation of Vincent Naidoo, as this young man and his
band of even younger followers began the unenviable task of rebuilding, both
support and morale.
With the loyal support of youngsters, the
likes of Louis Jeevanantham, Alan Moonsamy, Farouk Hassen, Richard Frank and
Rodney Moonsamy, the club persevered, ultimately winning the Junior League. At
the Annual General Meeting held in February, 1966, it was decided that the club
should not disband, but seek affiliation to the LFA’s Senior League. The name
“Bluebells”, which was honored and respected, was to be retained, and “United”
was added to signify the loyalty and unified conceptions of all the members.
This action brought new men to the club. Persons such as Jay Ramdin. Patrick
Naicker, Silvyn Naidoo, further strengthened the club and administration, and
the Bells have never looked back.
Success followed success, Bluebells United
became Lenasia’s ambassadors of soccer, gaining promotion to the First Division
In 1967, and they won the first League. Not only on the playing field did they
prove their qualities most also in administration.1967 saw the revitalizing of
soccer in Lenasia. Bluebells United were proud to have almost complete control
of the Lenasia Football Association. B.G.Naidoo, succeeded the late Sababathi
Pillay as President of L.F.A. Vincent Naidoo became Secretary and Patrick Naiker
Records Clerk. The administrative ability of Bluebells United was clearly
demonstrated during the L.F.A. Tenth Anniversary Celebrations which was
masterminded by Vincent Naidoo.
During the latter part of 1967 Vincent Naidoo
gave notice for the L.F.A. to seek affiliation to the Transvaal Soccer Board.
The motion was defeated and signs of Bluebells United’s exodus were already
showing. Bluebells United most appropriately annexed the Tenth Anniversary
Knock-out Competition. In 1968 they became double League Champions (undefeated)
and also annexing the First Division Knock-out. Ever striving for higher
principles, and realizing that the LFA would serve its ties with the Transvaal
Indian Football Association, they sought affiliation to, and were accepted by
the Southern Transvaal Football Union, in May 1969. Although not attaining any
major honors, they proved their worth and were reinstated as a contending team
in the then Premier League. In 1970, Louis Jeevanantham returned to his club
after a spell in the National League with Maritzburg City.The same year the club
was honored to have Louis Jeevanantham , Alan Moonsamy, Prega Thandrin and Goona
Padayatchi selected for the Transvaal United team. This was also the year the
acquired the services of top coach Billy Morgan, and Yousef
Eshack.
1971 saw Agnat Mohamed included in the
Transvaal United line up. The Bells had by now firmly established themselves as
a champion team, and had consolidated a position of demand. Then followed the
INVITATION from the Federation to join Professional ranks, notwithstanding the
fact that they had no suitable ground available, the challenge was accepted, and
the struggle began. From Curris Fountain to the Athlone Stadium, from Northdale
to the dust-bowl of Queens park, the Bells ventured on, carving their name in
the pages of soccer.
BELL PARK
In a bid to obtain a suitable playing venue
in Lenasia, the Bells spent in excess of R1500.00, in a vain attempt to erect
their own grounds. This noble venture was tragically thwarted by the ignoble
efforts of some opposition parties. To the brave men of Bells United, this move
only resulted in their further unity and rededication in the struggle for soccer
freedom. When it would have been so easy to resign, and return to the ranks of
racial football, these men hung on to their principles in the fervent hope that
one day these disappointments would be repaid with success
DR. SELMA BROWDE:
This noble lady took up the plight of
Bluebells United. What followed is history. In her own valiant manner, she
fought for justice. The long-drawn battle, and the years of struggle culminated
in success, for July, 1973, the gates of the Lenasia Stadium were finally thrown
open to the Federation.
THE BRAVADOS OF BELL
PARK:
On the eve of the club’s Ninth ANNUAL General
Meeting, a message of goodwill was received from the F.I.F.A. Headquarters,
signed by Dr Helmut Kaser (Secretary), wishing the club well for the future. The
road was long, seemed almost endless, but these gallant en never lost sight of
their ideals and principles, and in so doing, finally conquered against
overwhelming odds. In July 1973, Bluebells United provided Lenasia with finest
Tournament ever staged in Transvaal. The Tournament was staged to recoup the
tremendous losses the suffered. The biggest crowd to date witnessed Bluebells
United beat Cape town Spurs 2-0 in the Tournament.
The 1973 season ended with the league
play-off between Cape Town Spurs and Bells. A goalless draw resulted in Spurs
winning the league and thousand of Bells supporters were seen crying as they
walked out of the Lenasia Stadium.
The financial strain plus the winning of both
their own and Amrit Bowan Tournaments were too much for them to have taken on.
At the commencement of the 1974 Season Bells became the first team to bring
glory to the Transvaal by being the first to win a competition. Billy Morgan and
his gallant boys in March, 1974 annexed the Top Four Competition. During 1974
Bells had a disastrous season. The only memorable occasion was the staging of
the second Tournament, once providing their fans top class soccer and very
little profits. The SASF Pro League Executive was badly criticized at the end of
that season when Prega Thandrin was overlooked as Footballer of the Year. It
took Bluebells Officials and fans a long time to come over
this.
In 1975 Bells once more started off badly. At
the end of the season they were badly placed on the league log. The biggest
setback during this season was the controversial Johannes Kholane Cases and the
dramatic resignation of Vincent G. Naidoo. Just before the semifinal after
defeating Swaraj, Bells Executive handed over the Club to a board of directors.
This move was badly criticized by ardent Bells supporters but this was the only
suitable solution to save the club. Akbar Moola headed the Board of Directors of
Bluebells United. Bells traveled to Durban to meet Cape Town Spurs in the K.O.
Finals. Thousand of Bells Supporters all over the Country traveled to Durban for
the most controversial match of the SASF Pro League. All the same Bells
unofficially declared themselves Knock-Out Champions of the 1975
season.
1967 was a season of many disappointments and
Bells losses seemed to mount up much more. Nevertheless, 1977 seen a rejuvenated
Bells and they finally reached the K.O. Finals to be sadly beaten by Manning
Rangers. In 1978 Akbar Moola was succeeded by Soobiah Kollokpen was head of
Bells Administration and witnessed a year of many personality
clashes within the SASF Pro League Administration. During the latter part of
1978 the three Transvaal Clubs, Bells United, Swaraj and Dynamos staged a
walk-out during a Special General Meeting OF SASF Pro League. In 1979 Bluebells
United were once more honored when the world body F.I.F.A extended an invitation
to Vincent Naidoo as one of the guests of the opening of the new F.I.F.A. House.
The invitation was officially signed by the F.I.F.A. President Dr. Joa
Havelange. The invitation also coincided with Vincent Naidoo’ tour to London as
one of the entrants to do an Administrative Course with F.A. Opposition parties
reacted strongly and the visit was called off after tremendous
pressure.
In 1979 Bells, together with Swaraj and
Dynamos joined NPSL. Strange as it seems the team with the largest support Bells
were placed in 2nd Division. This move angered Bells supporters not only in
South Africa but all over the world .Were Bells used this time to completely
destroy Federation in Transvaal? Joining the NPSL was like killing two birds wit
one stone. Destroying Federation Professional Football in Transvaal and at the
same time destroying the club that had caused football progress on a proper
non-racial basis in South Africa. The prediction was partly true for Blue bells
United, and only professional Team recognized by the world body F.I.F.A. is no
more BUT the SASF Pro League although struggling is still
alive.
THE REVIVAL
We now pass on to the year 1980 with Louis
Jeevanantham, Rodney and Derrick Moonsamy and Hassen Lorgat Bluebells United
formed several junior teams. Later that year the services of honest men like
Aboo Mia, Blikkies Bismilla, Vadivel(Devi) Pillay, Hannif
Mutalib, Dr. Chiboo, Moha Solanki, Bonnie sequira and many more followed.
For Bluebells United there is no end for like some ardent supporters once said,
“It is not only a legend but also a religion. The name Bluebells is something
you cannot miss in Lenasia. The area where Louis Jeevanantham, Alan Moonsamy and
Roland James lives is affectionately Known as “Bluebells City”, whilst the
street where the loyal Bluebells cheer lord, Vella “Naggie” Padiachee lives is called Blubell
Avenue.
Not only has the Bluebell religion swept all
over Lenasia but Through South Africa and the entire world. East London and Port
Elizabeth Bluebells are still in existence, while ex-South Africans two years
ago were responsible for the formation of
Toronto Bluebells. Plymouth Bluebells in the South of England has
progressed rapidly and it is predicted that this same team will be eventually
Professional to the English Professional League the next decade. Vincent Naidoo
was fortunately present at the India Football Association’s league final early
in January to see Ahmadabad Bluebells victors over Delhi Afghan. How heartening
was it for him to discover that the League Champions of Andra Pradesh Is non
other than Bluebells from his own home town the Hills of
Tirumali.
FIVE GREAT MEN WHO COULD PROMISE A GREAT FUTURE
It was once predicted that Louis
Jeevanantham, Alan Moonsamy, Rattin Padiachee, Terry Jeevanthan and Prega Thandrin will one day be holding the reigns of Bluebells United. The
time has come for these loyal men to get together and do just
that.
Bluebells United Supporters all over the
world expressed their deep sense of gratitude to these gallant men. How can
anyone ever forget their sacrifices? When players with less their ability were
making tons of money out of football, our five great boys were hanging on to
their own club, spending their own money for the sake of launching Non-racial
Professional Football and bringing Federation to Lenasia.
It is hoped that the SASF will treat Prega
Thandin’s application for re-instatement kindly. Te good should overweigh the
not so good. Lest we forget the great work done by him at School soccer and
Athletics. Who has contributed more to the game the people playing football and
those who create footballers or the policy makers? Football to be played on
proper Non-racial basis has been for such men.
Just like their predecessors they sacrifice
unselfishly. Today nobody can afford to be indifferent to the name “Bluebells”.
They who have sacrificed themselves no end, paving the way for others, so that
eventually all may benefit.
“Vande Matheram”- Onward to
victory.
Bluebells United promise that as long as
football is played on a proper non-racial basis we will always be around.