Publications
Partners
London - Andile Phehlukwayo's contribution to the South African cause during the Cricket World Cup has been well-documented, but he is not only doing his talking on the field.
With the Proteas having lost their first three matches of the tournament, including a shocking loss to Bangladesh, the reaction from back home in South Africa has been understandably brutal.
The supporters, like the players, desperately want a first-ever World Cup trophy, but that is looking incredibly unlikely given that South Africa have just one win from five matches.
Whichever way you look at it, this has been a horrible World Cup for South Africa so far, but the 23-year-old Phehlukwayo has been using his platform on Twitter to try and send a strong message.
After Saturday's 9-wicket win over Afghanistan in Cardiff, Phehlukwayo was asked about his use of social media.
"Social media can go a lot of ways and I try not to look at the negative stuff," he explained.
"Even though our backs are against the wall, I try to portray positivity.
"I am a naturally positive person so I think sending a message to people telling them that we are still doing our best and that a big performance is around the corner is really important.
"Social media for me is good and I will continue to be there. It is a good platform to interact with supporters and your fans."
Phehlukwayo and the Proteas are now preparing for Wednesday's must-win clash against New Zealand in Birmingham.
"I think the last time we were there we won against them. I think mentally we have the upper hand," said Phehlukwayo, referring to South Africa's 3-2 series win away to the Black Caps in 2017.
"For me, watching KG (Rabada) run up and to see him bowling so well and be unlucky at times, I think there is an unbelievable spell coming from him.
"Hopefully another clinical bowling performance comes from us.
"New Zealand are a good side and we respect that, but I think that on the day whoever plays the better cricket will win."
Play on Wednesday starts at 11:30 (SA time).
@LloydBurnard is in England covering the 2019 Cricket World Cup for Sport24 ...
Focus on the positive ?????? pic.twitter.com/8BXcQN53Dy
— Andile Phehlukwayo (@andileluck19) June 16, 2019
I don’t know who needs to hear this but it might be hard now but it won’t last forever ?
— Andile Phehlukwayo (@andileluck19) June 14, 2019
Don’t rush in time ???
— Andile Phehlukwayo (@andileluck19) June 13, 2019
How I feel about your opinions ?????? pic.twitter.com/o22Foultax
— Andile Phehlukwayo (@andileluck19) June 11, 2019
