A bit of swagger is what the Proteas need right now

Now we know how the players feel. South Africans are getting more jittery by the day watching the Proteas and contemplating their prospects of lifting the Cricket World Cup.

Having been whipped by India and Pakistan - after beating both of them on the three previous instances on which they met - it's clear that we flatter to deceive when it comes to the crunch playing against lesser rivals.

Inevitably, the "choker" tag has been hauled out again. And the Proteas players have come in for some trolling on social media.

We as fans and compatriots expect better of them because the Proteas are better: their patent talents and stellar results outside major tournaments warrant better rewards.

The Proteas' malaise in the big ones somehow epitomises South Africa as a nation.

We are an exceptional people: talented, energetic and charismatic. We crafted a brilliant political accord in the face of vast scepticism. On the whole, considering the odds, we enjoy remarkable racial harmony. Individual South Africans in all fields are international game-changers.

But, sadly, we can get it badly wrong too - often due to human fallibility and foible.

Perhaps the emotional baggage of our history weighs more heavily on us, and our insecurities play a disproportionately large role in our trip-ups and buffoonery.

We have to get it right in The Big Game, so we get it wrong. It sometimes looks as if the Proteas are playing against themselves.

Fear of a negative appraisal is a common mental characteristic of choking-susceptible players, say the sports shrinks.

The difference between us and Australia, India and New Zealand is that they are less scared of losing - or winning. Where they have fun, we check the height of the hurdle.

We need some swagger. We need the easy confidence of a Jose Mourinho team; the gusto of a Sir Alex Ferguson side.

Ferguson once said: "When a player is at his peak, he feels as though he can climb Everest in his slippers."

The Proteas are at a peak. It's time for them to put on the slippers.