Transformation and so-called ‘quota stipulations’ in sport have become a big talking point in cricket this week after the EP Warriors were demoted from the One-Day Cup playoffs after fielding only two black Africans (instead of three) in a previous match, and it has now drawn a reaction from Gayton McKenzie.
As per CSA regulations, teams must have six players of colour in their starting teams, three of whom must be black Africans.
Interestingly, while there is this requirement at domestic level, the Proteas don’t have such a stringent quota for each match, and are rather required to meet “targets” over the course of a season.
Gayton McKenzie has waded into the debate, admitting that CSA is testing his patience over its lack of transformation.
“You can’t say this is a South African team, then you have one black person during the World Cup, the biggest spectacle. It is the highest form of disrespect,” McKenzie told News24.
“The people in cricket are testing the patience of government, my patience… I’m one person that believes the best sportsman must be on the field. I believe in that, but who says the white guy is the best sports person? There’s the white guy is the best, the coloured guy is the best, the Indian guy is the best…”
The decision to dock the Warriors points due to their transformation ‘failures’ in a key game against the Dolphins last month has led to a wide variety of opinions on whether so-called ‘quotas’ are still needed in SA sport.
In the widespread reaction, especially across social media, former Springbok AJ Venter made his views on the matter clear.
“Race laws are alive and well in South Africa,” the 25-cap former Springbok commented. “Worth noting that the coach is not white, he is a man of colour and ex-international cricket legend.”
Venter was referring to Warriors coach Robin Peterson, who apparently had to take the selection decision due to ‘cricket reasons’.
Wicketkeeper-batsman Sinethemba Qeshile and all-rounder Andile Mokgakane were the Warriors’ only two black African players to take the field, but the inability to field the required number has now cost them a coveted spot in the playoffs.
Apparently a fine of R500,000 has also been handed down for failing to meet the quota target.
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