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I’m reading about the blame being passed from one player to another…and I just don’t understand it. Not at all! Why blame one player when there are so many players in the team? And don’t forget the coaches…Why pass along blame?
I don’t blame the Proteas. Nope…I could never blame a team who played their hearts out. A team who played for their Country!
Why blame Philander for the poor bowling or AB for missing the run out? Or Dale Steyn for bowling a bad last ball? Why? They tried their best and we should be so very proud of them for doing just that! Why don’t all the people who blame the Proteas for the loss pick up a cricket bat and ball and start playing professional cricket???...Yeah, I don’t think that’s going to happen!
When that reporter asked AB De Villiers, minutes after the devastating loss and still fresh tears in his eyes whether he holds himself responsible for their loss because of the missing run-out…I wanted to scream! Why do something like that? Why be so insensitive? But then AB just proved what a true sport man he is, because he answered it with integrity. And no AB, this Protea supporter do not hold you responsible for the loss of the game, neither the other players.
Of course I lose my head when Dale bowls a terrible ball…and obviously I shout at the screen pretending he can hear me. Yep, I shout and scream at Morkel when he bowls another no ball and I get mad when Duminy gets hit for another four or when Philander gets hit for a six…but still I support them with my whole heart; win or lose!
I’ll be honest and tell you that way back I didn’t support the Proteas at all! I thought André Nel was way too arrogant and Donald worked on my nerves whenever he bowled a good ball. But, slowly the Proteas started to take a grip on my heart and I just thought to myself – “Why would you support another country when you have your own brilliant cricket team right here on your doorstep?!! And just like that I decided to start shouting for Dale Steyn (my favourite by the way J) and not Brett Lee anymore. Dale Steyn is waaaayyyy (sic) better than Lee in any case.
So, what I’m actually trying to say is..Support your team. Stay 100% behind the Proteas….no matter what. Be proud of your team!
Yes, they lost the semi-final against New Zealand, but in 4 years there will be another World Cup and we stand a brilliant chance of winning it. I believe we can do it.
Of course I’m heartbroken over the loss, but Proteas you may have lost what may be one of your most important cricket matches…but you sure as hell won this proud Protea supporter’s heart all over again!!
Don’t be discouraged and keep your heads up boys, because Proteas you are so worth it!!!
Proudly South African…and a super proud Protea supporter!
Marion Paulse
