Minister of Sports, Arts and Culture, Gayton McKenzie, was full of praise for Temba Bavuma and the Proteas following their ICC World Test Championship triumph over Australia.
The Proteas claimed their first ICC trophy in 27 years by beating Australia by five wickets in the WTC final at Lord’s on Saturday.
Speaking at the OR Tambo International Airport after the team’s arrival, the sports minister praised Temba Bavuma and his troops for winning the final.
“You know the difference with this team … Shukri Conrad is the best coach in the world, but one thing he did with this team is make them believe,” McKenzie said.
“They don’t need motivation. We believed they were going to win. Conrad believed they were going to win and they believed they were going to win. It’s the recipe for where we are today. They say cometh the hour, cometh the man. Temba Bavuma, he rose at the right time. Temba means hope, and he brought hope to the nation.”
Gayton says Temba Bavuma has inspired the country
“People should see themselves when they watch our national teams. White kids must see themselves. Coloured kids must see themselves. Black and Indian kids must see themselves. That is what the Proteas are doing here,” the minister added.
“They are following in the footsteps of the Springboks. We are a socially cohesive country … we are the rainbow nation. A black captain in Temba Bavuma and the children are singing his name, children from all creeds and colours,” Gayton said.
In terms of bonuses and payments, McKenzie did not reveal much.
“We will talk about that later. “We have got so many winners, all these bonuses can bankrupt the country.”
Did the Proteas squash their choking tag?
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