The word spectacular can definitely be overused in reference to sporting achievements.
Sometimes things in sport are simply spectacular, though. It’s what keeps the crowds coming back and the TV and radio sets switched on.
What the Springboks did in France — winning a Rugby World Cup through quality and also sheer unimaginable grit, pitted against what has been called the most difficult path in the tournament’s history to the trophy — was spectacular.
Given their tournament has been that degree more muted, the Proteas finally lifting the Cricket World Cup if they can beat Australia in Saturday’s rain-threatened semifinal in Kolkata, then hosts India or New Zealand in Sunday’s final, might not quite qualify as spectacular.
Though, given how long they’ve carried the mantle of “chokers” that captain Temba Bavuma and coach Rob Walter’s side are trying so hard to distance themselves from, a World Cup win could verge on spectacular.
What seems reasonable, is that if one of the most determined — though admittedly still prone to bouts of brittleness — Proteas sides to go to a World Cup succeed in the mission they set out for against the odds, which quietly they believed possible, then 2023 might justifiably be labelled a spectacular year for South African sport.
If one of the most determined ... Proteas sides to go to a World Cup succeed in the mission ... which quietly they believed possible, then 2023 might justifiably be labelled a spectacular year for South African sport.
Hopefully we will not forget anyone. The highlights so far include, and began with, the Proteas Women reaching the 2023 ICC Women’s T20 World Cup final in Cape Town in February, losing against powerhouse Australia at Newlands.
In July Banyana Banyana left for New Zealand and Australia under a cloud for the 2023 Women’s World Cup, their departure darkened by a bitter stand-off with the South African Football Association over their contracts and playing conditions. They became the first South African senior soccer team to reach a World Cup knockout stage with heroic performances, losing against Netherlands in the last 16.
South Africa staged two World Cups in 2023. The Proteas’ sixth-placed finish at the 2023 Netball World Cup in Cape Town in July and August was one of the more disappointing results of the year. However, they thrilled crowds and conducted themselves with professionalism, attracting new supporters to their cause in a slickly-run event.
The Boks brought home the silverware defending the Rugby World Cup in September and October, Siya Kolisi’s warriors winning admirers globally as one of the most determined sports teams ever to take to a field. Beating arch-rivals the All Blacks in the dream final they became the record four-time winners to New Zealand’s three, and only the second team to defend the trophy after the Kiwis. Their single-point quarterfinal, semifinal and final wins gave the country and rugby world heart palpitations.
Mamelodi Sundowns brought more international glory to South African sport by winning the inaugural, mega-wealthy African Football League this past weekend, beating continental club giants Al Ahly in the semifinals and Wydad Athletic in the final. They were led by 36-year-old Rulani Mokwena, who ensconced himself as one of the brightest coaching prospects in Africa with the victory.
The Proteas, written off at best as dark horses, but not many even gave them that, ahead of the Cricket World Cup, have already capped a stellar year for South African sport reaching the semifinals. A team whose quality professionals have looked capable of beating any side on their day, can make it a “spectacular” 2023 with two more wins.
If the cricketers do that, the pressure will be on much-beleaguered Bafana Bafana, who have shown signs of improvement under coach Hugo Broos, to begin 2024 in similarly buoyant fashion at the Africa Cup of Nations in Ivory Coast in January and February.
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