McKenzie hails Bavuma as ‘best’ Proteas captain
Sports Minister Gayton McKenzie has hailed Proteas captain Temba Bavuma as the greatest captain in South African cricket history, following the team’s triumph in the ICC World Test Championship final.
McKenzie spoke at Cricket South Africa headquarters in Johannesburg on Wednesday during the team’s official homecoming, after they secured a historic win against Australia at Lord’s in London last Saturday.
The Proteas' victory marks South Africa’s first ICC title in 27 years, breaking a long-standing drought in major international cricket tournaments and sparking national celebrations.
Speaking at the press conference, McKenzie praised Bavuma’s leadership on and off the field.
“This is in the history of cricket, we have never had such a great cricket captain. Respectful to the others – we love them, but this is the greatest cricket captain South Africa has ever had,” the minister said.
McKenzie went on to describe the current Proteas team as the best in the world, and expressed pride in the country's sporting achievements.
“I want to say to Cricket SA and all the players, from the bottom of my heart, you have made your country proud and we love you to bits.”
The team received a hero’s welcome at OR Tambo International Airport, where hundreds of fans and supporters gathered to greet them, take photos, and request autographs.
Speaking on the sidelines of the celebration, fast bowler Kagiso Rabada reflected on the team’s impact.
“Playing for South Africa is a privilege and an honour, and to see how much people appreciate the work that we do is a job well done,”
At CSA headquarters, Bavuma expressed hope that the ICC victory would help rebuild public confidence in South African cricket. He said that while the team was proud of the title, they were even more proud of how it had resonated with the nation.
He also highlighted the team’s identity and unity as their greatest strength.
“Us as a team we have a story, it hasn’t been a simple and easy one, we have come through a lot but we managed to get to where we are, so similarly to them (aspiring cricketers) in their quest and journey, as long as they keep the passion and keep pushing they can also achieve what people think is the unachievable.
“The team’s strength came from embracing what it means to be truly South African,” Bavuma added.
ALSO READ
