South Africa limited-overs skipper Temba Bavuma said contemporary players were certainly effected by head coach Mark Boucher’s apology to accusations of racial discrimination during his playing days at CSA’s SJN committee hearings.
Boucher has already addressed the national team and explained his role in an inappropriate Proteas team environment when he was an active cricketer.
The former wicketkeeper-batsman is one of several white players from the late 1990s and early 2000s who have faced allegations of in differential treatment in testimonies issued to SJN by multiple black players.
Having written a statement in acceptance and apology for his misconduct to the committee, Boucher also made it a point to talk to a current lot of players, with Bavuma indicating that he provided “clarity and context” around the issue.
“I’d be lying if I said it didn’t have an impact on us as a team. “It’s publicly known that members of the team have been named in the testimonies.”
“Our coach, Mark Boucher has addressed us as a team, speaking to the accusations against him. He provided clarity and context and it was more about keeping the guys in his confidence and comfort.”
Bavuma was quoted as saying by ESPNcricinfo.
Bavuma added it’s important that prejudice and the need to ensure equality and inclusivity are dealt with “internally” and there is a collective effort to improve the team atmosphere.
Adding to that, Bavuma stated his team fully supports the SJN initiative, and they hope that it can drive a positive change.
“Most of the guys are following the SJN and we look forward to the good of it that is happening,”
he said for the hearings that will continue throughout South Africa’s upcoming white-ball tour of Sri Lanka.
