Former Cricket South Africa (CSA) president Mtutuzeli Nyoka says Proteas selectors ought to take a gamble on speed sensation Kagiso Rabada as the next Test captain in the not-too-distant future.
Speaking on transformation in local cricket – including the recent historic domestic first-class clash between two black African captains – Nyoka said the 20-year-old showed the right signs for leadership.
“I like the signs and sounds that I hear from Rabada,” said Nyoka. “Ask yourself, at what age did Graeme Smith become captain?
“South Africa is in the same transition it was when Smith became captain at 22. This is another phase where we are looking for a long-term captain.
“For me, being the gambler I am, and looking at the statements the young man is making and his level of performance, I’d say Rabada is not far off from being captain.
“He has amazing potential. He would command his place in any squad in the world. Very few players have picked up 13 wickets in a Test match against a top side like England, let alone at that age.
“He will have a full decade to develop as a player and as a leader, if the structures, management and coaching staff back him.
“We have to be taking a gamble with African players as well and not just with other races.”
While Rabada was destroying England with a record-equalling 13/144 at Centurion, the Cape Cobras’ Omphile Ramela and Dolphins stand-in captain Khaya Zondo became the first first-class black players to meet at the toss.
Nyoka, who exited cricket in bitter, acrimonious circumstances five years ago, gave CSA plaudits for recent transformation progress.
Zondo became the first black player to captain the Dolphins when coach Lance Klusener appointed him as regular skipper Morne van Wyk’s replacement, following the latter’s injury. Ramela was, before the start of the Sunfoil Series, chosen to lead the Cobras four-day team and scored 89 and 107 in the last match.
“One must give credit where it is due,” said Nyoka. “This is a huge step in the right direction. One must compliment CSA for all the things were are seeing.
“We are not just talking numbers or quotas being fulfilled; we are talking about leadership positions, players having an influence in squad selections and in strategy.
“Looking at the national picture as well, Temba Bavuma and Rabada are not just there to fill up the numbers but are performing.
“These two fellows in the Proteas team can create an avalanche. It starts with a small rumble and then later develops into a huge avalanche.
“For people like myself, who’ve been involved with this thing for quite a while, we’d obviously like to see more and that is not a criticism of what is already being done.
“I would like to live long enough to see half the SA team being fielded with African players.
“I’d like to see more Africans in management and coaching positions, so there is still work to be done.”
Not too long ago CSA and a group of disgruntled black players calling themselves “Black Players in Unity” were at loggerheads over the lack of opportunities given to African black players. They wrote a forthright letter to CSA spelling their unhappiness over the misuse of Aaron Phangiso at last year’s World Cup and Zondo on the tour to India.
Nyoka talks up Rabada future
Speaking on transformation in local cricket – including the recent historic domestic first-class clash between two black African captains – Nyoka said the 20-year-old showed the right signs for leadership.
“I like the signs and sounds that I hear from Rabada,” said Nyoka. “Ask yourself, at what age did Graeme Smith become captain?
“South Africa is in the same transition it was when Smith became captain at 22. This is another phase where we are looking for a long-term captain.
“For me, being the gambler I am, and looking at the statements the young man is making and his level of performance, I’d say Rabada is not far off from being captain.
“He has amazing potential. He would command his place in any squad in the world. Very few players have picked up 13 wickets in a Test match against a top side like England, let alone at that age.
“He will have a full decade to develop as a player and as a leader, if the structures, management and coaching staff back him.
“We have to be taking a gamble with African players as well and not just with other races.”
While Rabada was destroying England with a record-equalling 13/144 at Centurion, the Cape Cobras’ Omphile Ramela and Dolphins stand-in captain Khaya Zondo became the first first-class black players to meet at the toss.
Nyoka, who exited cricket in bitter, acrimonious circumstances five years ago, gave CSA plaudits for recent transformation progress.
Zondo became the first black player to captain the Dolphins when coach Lance Klusener appointed him as regular skipper Morne van Wyk’s replacement, following the latter’s injury. Ramela was, before the start of the Sunfoil Series, chosen to lead the Cobras four-day team and scored 89 and 107 in the last match.
“One must give credit where it is due,” said Nyoka. “This is a huge step in the right direction. One must compliment CSA for all the things were are seeing.
“We are not just talking numbers or quotas being fulfilled; we are talking about leadership positions, players having an influence in squad selections and in strategy.
“Looking at the national picture as well, Temba Bavuma and Rabada are not just there to fill up the numbers but are performing.
“These two fellows in the Proteas team can create an avalanche. It starts with a small rumble and then later develops into a huge avalanche.
“For people like myself, who’ve been involved with this thing for quite a while, we’d obviously like to see more and that is not a criticism of what is already being done.
“I would like to live long enough to see half the SA team being fielded with African players.
“I’d like to see more Africans in management and coaching positions, so there is still work to be done.”
Not too long ago CSA and a group of disgruntled black players calling themselves “Black Players in Unity” were at loggerheads over the lack of opportunities given to African black players. They wrote a forthright letter to CSA spelling their unhappiness over the misuse of Aaron Phangiso at last year’s World Cup and Zondo on the tour to India.
Would you like to comment on this article?
Register (it's quick and free) or sign in now.
Please read our Comment Policy before commenting.
Trending Now
Latest Videos