Ex-Springbok: 'Race laws are alive and well in SA'
Yesterday at 10:27 AM
In a shock announcement that has rocked SA cricket this week, the Warriors were effectively demoted from the 1-Day Cup playoffs after failing to meet the required quota target.
As per CSA regulations, teams must have six players of colour in their starting teams, three of whom must be black Africans.
However, in a key game against the Dolphins last month, the Warriors apparently did not communicate their inability to field three black players (they only played two), and CSA subsequently decided to dock points that forced them to miss out on a spot in the playoffs.
It has led to a widespread backlash in various corners of South African sport, especially across social media, where former Springbok AJ Venter made his views on the matter clear.
“Race laws are alive and well in South Africa,” the 25-cap former Springbok commented. “Worth noting that the coach is not white, he is a man of colour and ex-international cricket legend.”
Venter was referring to Warriors coach Robin Peterson, who apparently had to take the selection decision due to ‘cricket reasons’.
“The pitch, on the day, wasn’t going to be conducive for fast bowlers and we needed a spinner,” Eastern Province Cricket president Donovan May explained in an interview with Media24.
“We didn’t have another black spinner, but we had a coloured spin bowler, along with an academy player who has a future ahead of him.
“We submitted the team sheets to the transformation committee and, later in the day, we received a call that explained that we breached the administrative rules.”
Wicketkeeper-batsman Sinethemba Qeshile and all-rounder Andile Mokgakane were the Warriors' only two black African players to take the field, but the inability to field the required number has now cost them a coveted spot in the playoffs. Apparently a fine of R500,000 has also been handed down for failing to meet the quota.
DO YOU AGREE WITH THE COMMENT MADE BY FORMER SPRINGBOK AJ VENTER BELOW?
Are you surprised that this is still a prevalent issue in SA sport?
Let us know by leaving a comment below, or send a WhatsApp to 060 011 0211.
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