Disaffected black African players demand meeting with Cricket SA top brass

18 November 2015 - 13:15 By Liam Del Carme

The group of disaffected black African cricketers and administrators who raised their concerns in a letter to Cricket South Africa (CSA) last week want clear direction from the game’s local governing body. They raised‚ among other concerns‚ the selection of black African players in the national team and sought to have a meeting with CSA’s president Chris Nenzani and chief executive Haroon Lorgat once they returned from India.A source who did not want to be named told Times Media that black African players needed to know where they stood within CSA’s selection policy framework.“The biggest issue black African players have is that they want to be picked for the right reasons. Then once picked they want to be given proper opportunity. The selectors and the coach have to start taking responsibility.”Part of the criticism has been that once selected‚ especially in touring squads‚ black African players get limited game time, if any.According to the source‚ coach [Russell Domingo] and the selectors should all share responsibility.The current crop of selectors consists of Linda Zondi (convenor)‚ Ashwell Prince‚ Errol Stewart and Hussein Manack‚ but their predecessors‚ according to the source‚ are as culpable.“Selectors can’t wash their hands of this. There is always a selector on tour and the captain gets a say as well.“At provincial level it’s the same. The guys have to take individual responsibility.“Look at a guy like Andile Phehlukwayo at the Dolphins. He finally gets a chance and look at how he’s played in the last couple of games and he’s only 19.“How many missed opportunities have we had like that?”Times Media understands that the South African Cricketers’ Association (Saca) tried to assist the players in the matter but their offer was declined.Saca chief executive Tony Irish wasn’t available for comment as he too is out of the country.In the absence of Nenzani‚ Lorgat and spokesman Altaaf Kazi‚ Times Media sought comment from CSA’s transformation manager Max Jordaan.Jordaan surprisingly revealed that he has not had the opportunity to peruse the letter.“I haven’t seen the content of the letter. I am aware of the letter though. The president is dealing with the matter.”He then cited protocol and referred queries to Kazi. ..

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