Temba Bavuma on Warriors transformation controversy: It shouldn’t have played out like that
SENSITIVE ISSUE Temba Bavuma has criticised the handling of the Warriors' transformation controversy in the 1-Day Cup, emphasising the need for sensitive and well-intentioned decisions in implementing transformation policies. Picture: AFP
Image: AFP
Proteas skipper Temba Bavuma says the way the transformation controversy was handled, involving the Warriors, in the 1-Day Cup could have been better.
The Warriors failed to meet Cricket SA’s (CSA) matchday requirements of playing three black African players in their victory against the Dolphins on February 16.
The Warriors were docked their points from their victory, which were awarded to the Dolphins.
The Dolphins, as a result, advanced to the playoff stage of the competition and ultimately were victorious in the final.
Bavuma voices concerns on over handling of matter
“We can’t now in 2025 discuss whether it should be there in the system,” said Bavuma.
“In my opinion it shouldn’t have played out the way it did. It's sensitive, it's controversial, and I think the decision-makers have the power to implement it.
“It's important that it's done with pure intentions, you know, I think when the intentions are not good it kind of stirs up all the controversy.”
Given his position as captain of the Proteas Test and ODI teams, Bavuma was about as critical as he could be of the entire situation without badmouthing CSA.
“You're trying to protect cricket within the country, or I think we need to be a little bit more sensitive with certain people. From the conditions, it seems they wanted to do something different.
“I can't really stand here and call out their decisions, but I think it does open up a can of worms.
“I don't think it's an indictment of cricket in South Africa. I think with transformation, the easiest thing is always to kind of point to Cricket South Africa.”
Impact of transformation on team dynamics
As the first black captain of the Proteas men’s team though, Bavuma was in a good position to speculate on how it would affect the players involved.
“Within the Warriors changeroom, and how it affects those players ...Your white players, your black players, those type of interactions,” said Bavuma.
“It can negatively affect guys, how guys view each other, how guys view selection, because that's obviously where, it tends to play itself out.
“For us at the top, look, we deal with what we have to deal with, as players, we spend enough time with the coaches to understand that there will be certain things that you have to deal with, fairly or unfairly, as a black player.
“Certain things, sure, they don't surprise you. You just kind of get on with it, and what you need to do. Like I said, I think there's better ways to, if we're trying to send a message, there's better ways to do that.”