CSA credit systems for transformation success

Times Media

TELFORD VICE in Cape Town

CRICKET South Africa (CSA) have given their redesigned systems the credit for the lifting of the ban against them bidding to host major events.

The prohibition was put in place last April as punishment for the national teams falling short of transformation targets.

On Tuesday the measure was lifted by sports minister Thulas Nxesi, which will allow CSA to offer South Africa as a host for the World Cup and the Champions Trophy after 2023 - when the current list of already assigned tournaments is complete.

“This is a reflection on the good work that is being done by many people at the various levels of our talent identification and development pipeline that has made it possible for our national selection panel to comfortably achieve the targets that have been set,” CSA president Chris Nenzani said.

CSA have in recent years improved and intensified the methods they use for identifying and nurturing young talent to guide players through the system more securely and efficiently.

Transformation has been a focus of those efforts.

But Nenzani warned against thinking the job was done.

“Transformation remains a work in process to make cricket a truly national sport and accessible to all,” he said.

“There is much still to be done.”

Rugby and netball, who were in a similar position to cricket, are also off the hook.

But athletics remains in the dogbox.