South Africa's tallest national flag is unfurled in all its flapping, snapping, cracking glory atop a 60-metre pole mounted in the centre of Gqeberha, or a kilometre-and-a-half from St George's Park.

But the flag, especially in a sporting context, presents the exact opposite image. It’s a symbol of courage, determination, skill and good old South African grit. Many of us might not be proud ...