POLL: Are CSA still dragging their heels on transformation ?

By Trevor Cramer

An ugly race storm could be brewing at Cricket South Africa.

According to eNCA, it appears a group of black African players have complained about a lack of opportunities at national level.

They are perturbed by what they call unfair team selections that see black players excluded from the match XI.

They also said players selected in national squads were not given enough chances in matches.

Speaking exclusively to eNCA, former Protea wicket keeper Thami Tsolekile said that the group circulated a letter to CSA on Monday detailing their complaints.

The group of players have given the cricketing body a week to respond, before taking any further action.

CSA's CEO Haroon Lorgat was still in flight to India when approached for comment.

He will be attending the second Test between India and South Africa, which gets underway in Bangalore on Saturday.

CSA spokesperson Altaaf Khazi says Lorgat is the person handling the matter, as the letter was addressed to him. 

CSA is a sporting body that is a signatory to the Government's Transformation Charter and in my humble opinion, haven't exactly dragged their heels when it comes to the development of black African cricketers.

Any stains on the transformation book need to be addressed at selection and coaching level, as CSA would have us believe that there is no undue influence from the Boardroom when it comes to selection issues.

Not that we should conciously be doing so, but I can count up to six players of colour in every franchise side for any given domestic cricket match.

But is the progression to top level as smooth as it should be and why are so many black African players being lost in the system or carrying drinks more often than showcasing their talent on the field of play ?

While Tsolekile and his unnamed signatories to the letter may have some legitimate gripes -- particularly regarding the Proteas' 

wicket keeping role -- or the sparse use of spinner Aaron Phangiso perhaps, I have issues with the fact that this disgruntled group decided to fight their personal war by media.

I remain convinced CSA would have handled the response in the most amicable, sensitive way possible without blowing it out of proportion in the media.

Lets hope the brewing racial storm doesn't bubble over and we are left opening old wounds again, despite noble, concerted efforts

by stakeholders to level the playing fields.

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