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the Proteas they have settled on a “significant gesture” to take a collective stand against racism and discrimination during their next round of tests against Sri Lanka.
That was the message from head coach Mark Boucher on Thursday before the Boxing Day test at Centurion.
Boucher was responding to questions about concerns that were recently raised by the current interim board, chaired by Judge Zak Yacoob, around the Proteas’ stance on the Black Lives Matter (BLM) movement in their T20 series against England.
The Proteas, in a decision that is understood to be made by the entire roster, chose to kneel in support of BLM at the start of that series.
A few weeks later, the interim board spoke out.
“The Interim Board felt that we should fully embrace all aspects of our constitution as South Africans and show the world that we are all together in opposition to racism at all times,” he said in his statement.
“The Board believes that Black Lives Matter has particular significance given South Africa’s apartheid past.”
Yacoob acknowledged that he “could not force” the team to take any action, but encouraged the players to take a position that shows their support for BLM.
On December 26, the Proteas are unlikely to get down on their knees again, but there will almost certainly be more action than was seen before the T20 series earlier this month.
“We appreciate that the management is not looking to force the team to do anything, one way or another, and that they are happy that the players follow their processes and find something meaningful for them,” explained Boucher.
“The team is more than happy to engage more with them on what they would like to discuss at a more appropriate time.
“We’ve had a lot of discussions since we hit the bubble (Gauteng field) about this, especially after the board statement, and I think the guys have made a significant gesture.
“That is something the players will share with everyone.”
This will be South Africa’s first Test series since losing 3-1 to England a year ago.
Saturday’s game starts at 10:00.
