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Kass Naidoo
I went through one of those OMG moments when I read Colin Bryden’s ‘Time to ban the ‘C’ word’ column on Sport24 on Monday. Like some of you, I nodded in agreement all the way through.
I had the opportunity to anchor the broadcast for SABC Sport when the Proteas played England in Chennai on Sunday, and as the match went on, I followed the experience both via social media and the television broadcast. It was an incredible experience…
With England at 15/3, cricket was the trending topic and fans could not stop lauding Robin Peterson and the Proteas. Graeme Smith could do no wrong. When that horrible collapse happened, and the Proteas found themselves at 124/6, mention of that ‘chokers’ label was already thick in the air, and by the end of the night, it was trending on Twitter.
I was thankful for the fan insights, but I was gob-smacked at how quickly the tide turned. I sat in studio with Herschelle Gibbs and Ray Jennings trying to make sense of the loss, but couldn’t help thinking about the degree of negativity across the country.
We want the team to be consistent, but are we consistent in our support? Thankfully, fans that are 100% behind the Proteas rallied behind the team and gave me reason to be hopeful.
But I am in awe of how the Barmy Army support England. They cheer their team on through thick and thin. Despite the loss to Ireland, they turned up to back their team against South Africa in Chennai and, as usual, in full cry. Guess what?
Their team rewarded them with a victory that was as thrilling as it was unlikely, for a large part of the match. Here at home, headlines fell over themselves to yell the tagline as soon as possible, as loud as possible.
The Proteas play for South Africa. They play for us. Their cause is motivated by a nation that rallies behind them. On the upside, and to quote Lance Klusener, ‘the tournament is but a puppy’. Let’s pick that chin off the ground and proudly wear our cricket gear. They need our support and we would dearly love that ICC Cricket World Cup.
Someone asked me on Facebook on Monday, “Chokers living up to their label. What’s your take Kass”. I responded, “100% behind the Proteas.” I swallowed hard to get over the loss, but like many of you reading this piece, I’m a Pure Protea supporter. Come on, South Africa, the Proteas need you!
Kass Naidoo writes in her personal capacity. She is Brand & Corporate Relations Manager of Cricket South Africa, and host of selected Cricket World Cup matches for SABC Sport.
Disclaimer: Sport24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on Sport24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Sport24.
I went through one of those OMG moments when I read Colin Bryden’s ‘Time to ban the ‘C’ word’ column on Sport24 on Monday. Like some of you, I nodded in agreement all the way through.
I had the opportunity to anchor the broadcast for SABC Sport when the Proteas played England in Chennai on Sunday, and as the match went on, I followed the experience both via social media and the television broadcast. It was an incredible experience…
With England at 15/3, cricket was the trending topic and fans could not stop lauding Robin Peterson and the Proteas. Graeme Smith could do no wrong. When that horrible collapse happened, and the Proteas found themselves at 124/6, mention of that ‘chokers’ label was already thick in the air, and by the end of the night, it was trending on Twitter.
I was thankful for the fan insights, but I was gob-smacked at how quickly the tide turned. I sat in studio with Herschelle Gibbs and Ray Jennings trying to make sense of the loss, but couldn’t help thinking about the degree of negativity across the country.
We want the team to be consistent, but are we consistent in our support? Thankfully, fans that are 100% behind the Proteas rallied behind the team and gave me reason to be hopeful.
But I am in awe of how the Barmy Army support England. They cheer their team on through thick and thin. Despite the loss to Ireland, they turned up to back their team against South Africa in Chennai and, as usual, in full cry. Guess what?
Their team rewarded them with a victory that was as thrilling as it was unlikely, for a large part of the match. Here at home, headlines fell over themselves to yell the tagline as soon as possible, as loud as possible.
The Proteas play for South Africa. They play for us. Their cause is motivated by a nation that rallies behind them. On the upside, and to quote Lance Klusener, ‘the tournament is but a puppy’. Let’s pick that chin off the ground and proudly wear our cricket gear. They need our support and we would dearly love that ICC Cricket World Cup.
Someone asked me on Facebook on Monday, “Chokers living up to their label. What’s your take Kass”. I responded, “100% behind the Proteas.” I swallowed hard to get over the loss, but like many of you reading this piece, I’m a Pure Protea supporter. Come on, South Africa, the Proteas need you!
Kass Naidoo writes in her personal capacity. She is Brand & Corporate Relations Manager of Cricket South Africa, and host of selected Cricket World Cup matches for SABC Sport.
Disclaimer: Sport24 encourages freedom of speech and the expression of diverse views. The views of columnists published on Sport24 are therefore their own and do not necessarily represent the views of Sport24.
