Why does English football have such a large following in South Africa? What was it like for South African players who went to play for English teams? Were their talents as welcomed as they expected, and were their footballing aspirations fulfilled?

From the generation of Darius Dhlomo, Steve ‘Kalamazoo’ Mokone and others before them, to the generation of Lucas Radebe, Mark Fish and Steven ‘Schilo’ Pienaar: have things changed?

Offside: Kick Ignorance Out! Football Unites, Racism Divides is a collaboration between the British Council; the District Six Museum; Football Unites, Racism Divides (FURD) and Kick It Out. The exhibition highlights aspects of the footballing relationship between the United Kingdom and South Africa and how it has evolved over the last century.

“The game of soccer plays such an important role in bringing about cultural understanding and through this exhibition, we aim to celebrate the achievements of South African players at the home of football, and it encourages us to be vigilant against prejudice as it remains an blemish on the beautiful game,’’ says Jean September, Deputy Director of British Council South Africa in Cape Town.

The exhibition focuses particularly on experiences of racism in both countries and highlights ways in which it remains a blemish on the beautiful game.

Offside presents visitors with brief insights into the lives of a number of different players who experienced and dealt with prejudices of one kind or another. These experiences are presented in formats which are interactive, and which invite visitors to reflect on what their own possible responses to the ‘offside moments’ in the lives of different players, might have been. While the exhibition is aimed at a wide range of ages, it has been particularly designed with young visitors in mind.

We are one nation and we should be proud of being South Africans. We shouldn’t allow racism – we should just score a goal and play football as one nation and stop racism!! Lelethu Gobo

Racism is the worst FOUL PLAY in the world. There are no second chances, no yellow cards – a straightforward red card for it! Ivo Sissocak, September 2010

Soccer is meant to be played with the heart, body, mind and soul. One should not play soccer for money, but for one’s passion that is everlasting and will be passed onto generations. Galiema Jappie

Beat racism with LOVE. Amber Soulvie, North Carolina, USA

This is a groundbreaking exhibition. Racism is destruction. Unity is humanity. David, Ghana, 17 September 2010