Mbalula: where’s the transformation?

FORMER Minister of Sport Fikile Mbalula has taken the spotlight off the much-anticipated second Test against England at Newlands starting this morning and re-focused it on transformation.

Mbalula, now the Minister of Transport, expressed his disgust at a photo posted by Cricket SA where the national body showcased its new management team of former Proteas Mark Boucher, Jacques Kallis and Charl Langeveldt.

“What are you guys doing to transformation? You (are) taking us back,” he tweeted.

There has been a mixed response to the appointments made by Cricket SA since the suspension of chief executive Thabang Moroe.

Jacques Faul has been appointed acting chief executive; Graeme Smith (acting director of cricket); Boucher (coach); and Kallis (batting consultant) – all white appointments.

For some it has been hailed as utilising the vast experience of former players, while others – like Mbalula – believe it is a return to a bygone era in South African cricket.

The issue has been intensified with a fit-again Temba Bavuma being left out for Rassie van der Dussen for this Test at Newlands.

It was at Newlands four years ago against England where Bavuma became the darling of the nation when he struck his maiden Test century. He has not fully utilised his opportunities since, having not scored a single Test half-century in 2019.

“We don’t see colour and I think it is important that people understand that opportunity is very important, opportunity for everyone,” Proteas captain Faf du Plessis said.