Get ready for endless questions about choking, warns Biff
But the former Proteas skipper also believes Faf du Plessis and his troops really shouldn't be burdened by such 'rubbish'.
Graeme Smith and Faf du Plessis of South Africa during day 5 of the 1st Test match between South Africa and India at Bidvest Wanderers Stadium on December 22, 2013 in Johannesburg, South Africa. (Photo by Duif du Toit/Gallo Images)
Faf du Plessis and the Proteas’ biggest challenge at this year’s World Cup in England could be off the field of play.
Throughout a stellar career, Graeme Smith had to attend countless media conferences and answer a barrage of questions over South Africa’s unwanted tag of being “chokers” at major tournaments.
ALSO READ: Much of the Proteas’ World Cup picture is still blank
And even if Du Plessis and his troops aren’t quite considered one of the favourites later this year, you can bet your bottom dollar they’ll still be peppered with queries over their “reputation”.
“Ultimately, the thing that gets to you about the choker thing – especially as captain – is you get asked about it a million times. That’s something Faf will have steel himself for,” Smith told Rayder Media.
“At every media conference there’ll be four or five journalists who ask you the same thing around that subject. You eventually just get so frustrated having to answer it the whole time. It’s something Faf will have to incorporate into his planning.
“In no way should any of the players going into this World Cup be burdened with this rubbish. Just back yourself, hopefully selection will be good and a bit of luck comes your way. There’s enough quality in that side, especially from a bowling point of view.”
Smith was at the helm in no less than five major tournaments – three World T20s and two World Cups – where the Proteas bombed out at vital stages.
However, the imposing former left-hander says it was only 2009’s agonising exit in the World T20 in the UK – where South Africa lost a tight semi against Pakistan – that really haunted him.
“Post World Cups were always a bit chaotic. There’s a lot of media attention and you feel like your head is on a block in the public. Oneself is quite emotional. But I never really let the whole choker thing get to me,” said Smith.
“We achieved so many other amazing things during my time and no team would be able to do that if they weren’t able to handle pressure.”
For more sport your way, download The Citizen’s app for iOS and Android.
