Legendary broadcaster and former Proteas selector Peter “Nololo” Bacela is adamant that changes in South African cricket will take place whether people like it or not.
Bacela was talking on the back of revelations made at the Social Justice Nation Building hearings chaired by Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza where Proteas coach Mark Boucher was accused of racism by former national team spin bowler Paul Adams.
The former Radio Xhosa cricket, boxing and rugby commentator also referred to the recent resignation of Proteas assistant coach Enoch Nkwe.
“We are not going to retreat in our calls for change in South African cricket,” Bacela said.
“We know that white people in South African cricket are resisting change. They don’t want to open the doors for black people. Talented and capable black people are not given a chance in South African cricket.”
Bacela, who spent more than 30 years behind the microphone, has added that Boucher’s appointment as Proteas coach was a terrible mistake.
“He got the job because his friend Graeme Smith is the director of cricket otherwise he wouldn’t have been in that position. We all know that Boucher didn’t deserve to get that job,” the retired broadcaster said.
“The revelations at the hearings chaired by Advocate Dumisa Ntsebeza make it difficult for us to continue having Boucher as the national team coach. We have capable black coaches like Geoffrey Toyana, Malibongwe Maketa and Enoch Nkwe. These guys can take the Proteas to another level. It’s pity that they are being deprived a chance to shine because they happen to be black.”
Meanwhile, Bacela has urged black cricket administrators to remember where they come from.
“Black cricket administrators should never forget where they come from. They must never think they are one with the white administrators, who continue to resist change,” Bacela concluded.
