Promoting quality education by addressing ethical challenges in high school football at circuit level in Durban, South Africa

Abstract

The sport of football, also commonly referred to as soccer in South Africa, has become a socio-cultural phenomenon and its popularity manifests itself in school football. The study aimed to identify ethical challenges in high school football at circuit level in Durban, South Africa, in order to promote quality education. A phenomenological paradigm, drawing on a qualitative research approach, was used. A purposive sample of 16 high school football coaches and administrators from a particular region, or circuit, were selected to participate in this study. Semi-structured interviews were conducted. All interviews were recorded and transcribed for analysis, and an inductive approach was used to identify patterns in the collected data by employing thematic analysis. Age cheating and identity document fraud were perceived as the leading ways unethical leadership in the circuit facilitates cheating. The study also found that the environment in which school football operates in the circuit is not conducive to promoting ethical leadership. This study highlighted that governmental structures should focus on ethics and leadership in school football, thereby ensuring quality education. This study has shown that ethical leadership is a key contributor to the holistic development and socialisation of learners.