The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) and its members, South Africa’s professional cricketers, paid tribute today to Nelson Mandela.
“Madiba was an inspiration to the Proteas in the same way that he was to other South African teams” said Graeme Smith. “To us he represented so many of the qualities which we as players have looked to adopt in playing for South Africa. As the captain I was very privileged to spend some time with him and I vividly recall telephone calls I received from him wishing us luck before a big match or event. He always gave simple but wise advice and this had a big impact on me as leader of the team. His words will stay with me forever as they were not only relevant to cricket, but also to life.”
“As international cricketers we owe Madiba a lot” said Robin Peterson, President of SACA. “We are privileged to play international cricket and Nelson Mandela was of course key in leading the change in our country to open the way for South Africa to participate in international sport. Generations of Proteas players will always be grateful to him for that.”
AB De Villiers, the Proteas ODI captain, said “We often felt, especially in my early days in the Proteas, that Madiba showed a personal interest in the team and in us as individual players. This motivated us to be better. His memory will not only inspire us in our current series against India, but also to always stick together as a team representing a nation into the future. We will miss him.”
“I speak on behalf of all of South Africa’s professional and semi-professional cricketers in extending condolences to the Mandela family” said Tony Irish, SACA’s chief executive. “The players mourn, with the rest of South Africa, the passing of a great man”