The Corner Flag: Why aren’t people getting behind SA?

I grew up often questioning the allegiance of some South Africans, particularly in the Eastern Cape and Western Cape, to the All Blacks whenever they played against the Springboks.

I later learnt that this stemmed from the previous dispensation because many in the black communities perceived the Springboks as a symbol of apartheid.

These people may have been justified in their condemnation of a racist system that used many things, including sport, to segregate the country.

But is the support of rival nations playing against our national teams still relevant today?

The continuous support of rival countries when our sport is in such a good place is disappointing.

While covering the Youth ODI series between South Africa U19 and Bangladesh U19 at Willowmoore Park on July 17 and 19, I was shocked when a Benonian proudly and openly cheered for the Bangladesh side.

Every time one ardent South African supporter shouted “Come on South Africa, Mommy is here,” this elderly citizen countered that with “Come on Bangladesh, Daddy is here,” and it became a feature on the main pavilion throughout both matches.

He even caught the attention of the South African bench, with one player walking along the boundary rope near the main stand saying to his teammate, “Why does he want to know our age when he’s not supporting us? He’s a South African. He should be backing us.”

I also admit that it rubbed me the wrong way.

Before I left after the first match, I voiced my frustration to an Eastern Cricket Union (ECU) administrator. But he also didn’t support the Baby Proteas because there were not enough players from township clubs or schools in the team.

I was stunned.

How could a cricket administrator say this when he’s inside the very system that’s failing aspiring township and rural cricketers?

Perhaps his frustration is justified because Cricket South Africa (CSA) has a hub development programme which seeks to address the lack of access to cricketing excellence in disadvantaged communities by offering expert coaching, facilities, and support.

But are the hubs producing enough quality players? How many graduates of this programme have forged successful careers in the sport and represented the country?

Enathi Kitshini from the Thembalethu hub in George is the only product of a township school or club in the current U19 squad.

He’s an exceptional left-arm off-spinner and was my pick of the SA bowlers in the second match on July 19. Although he went wicketless, he bowled 10 straight overs—only conceding 35 runs to lead his team’s fightback in the middle overs.

This shows the depth of talent across the country.

The only issue is providing adequate support to schools and clubs in townships and rural areas. It’s an issue this administrator and his colleagues should solve.

Yes, more should be done to ensure clubs in townships are fully resourced to produce quality players, but can limited inclusivity make a citizen turn his back on his country?

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