SACA pays tribute to Smith

Cape Town - The South African Cricketers’ Association (SACA) on Wednesday paid tribute to Graeme Smith on his retirement from international cricket.

GALLERY: Graeme Smith through the ages

“Graeme has been the leader of the players in South Africa for longer than most of us can remember” said SACA’s president, Robin Peterson. 

“The cricket fans see what he does on the field as the captain of the Proteas, but there’s been a lot more to it than that.  He has played a huge role within our players association and he’s always stood up for the collective of the South African professional cricketers, which has made things better for all players.”

“Graeme is a very unique cricketer” said Tony Irish, chief executive of SACA. 

“He’s a true professional and understands all aspects of the game including all the off-field ones. The role he has played at SACA has been significant and such is his stature in the game that he has commanded respect from players all over the world.”

“He has been a true leader and was instrumental in developing a team culture which has taken the Proteas to number one in the world. Like all true sporting leaders he has cared not only about his team mates and his team but also about the game.”

“On behalf of all South Africa’s professional cricketers we wish Graeme all the best in his retirement.  He thoroughly deserves all the extra time he will now have with his wife, Morgan, and his children, Cadence and Carter.  Hamba kahle Biff.”