OPINION: Proteas have not discarded dreaded chokers tag yet
A World Cup win is needed for the Proteas to bury the chokers tag that has followed them for decades.
Kyle Verreynne of South Africa celebrates with the trophy after the Proteas won the ICC World Test Championship final against Australia at Lord's Cricket Ground in London on 14 June 2025. Picture: Paul Harding/Gallo Images
Before you read this column, I need to put a disclaimer: this piece contains an opinion that is likely to be unpopular.
So, let's get to it.
The Proteas have been celebrated for winning the ICC Test final against Australia, and rightly so.
The hard-fought victory against the Aussies was built on courage, determination and talent.
Aiden Markram arguably played the best innings of his career. Temba Bavuma bravely continued batting, despite his injury, and proved many doubters wrong. Kagiso Rabada also had a point to prove and showed why he's a once-in-a-generation talent.
ALSO READ: Proteas captain Temba Bavuma has silenced his critics
This win will instil belief in the squad. That Kyle Verreynne and David Bedingham — relatively inexperienced players on the international stage — were in the middle when the winning runs were scored is another plus.
However, claims that the Proteas have banished their 'chokers' tag are, at best, optimistic.
Yes, the Test Championship is an ICC event. Yes, the final was a do-or-die match. And yes, the South African team played against formidable opposition in tough conditions.
But I don't think the pressure in the Test at Lord's can be compared to the pressure the team will face at the T20 World Cup in India and Sri Lanka next year.
In that environment, the matches come thick and fast, and — as we've seen many times before — good performances can be undone by one moment of madness. In these limited-overs tournaments, mistakes are amplified. And that is when doubts can start creeping in.
ALSO READ: 'Dreams do come true': Proteas on top of the world
Another reason the chokers tag can't be discarded yet is that the Proteas were not favourites to beat Australia last week. Also, this is not the first time the Proteas have won a Test Championship. The only difference on this occasion is that the South African players had to win a once-off match to secure the shiny mace.
South Africa will always have talented cricketers and be among the favourites at any ICC tournament — but the chokers tag will continue to rear its ugly head until the team wins a World Cup.
I, like every other Proteas fan, would love to see them win a World Cup. Hopefully, it will happen soon, so the dreaded chokers tag can be buried once and for all.
NOW READ: Proteas can't be called 'chokers' anymore, says Aiden Markram
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
TimesLIVE
21 minutes ago
- TimesLIVE
The Proteas come home as world champs
The world champion Proteas brought the Test Mace back on their arrival, greeted by enthusiastic supporters, at OR Tambo International Airport in Johannesburg on Wednesday morning. Coach Shukri Conrad's South Africa lifted their first major trophy by winning the World Test Championship final, which ended on Saturday, by five wickets over Australia at Lord's. Captain Temba Bavuma led the team out first, carrying the mace. Here are some pictures of the arrival. Image: Kabelo Mokoena
IOL News
33 minutes ago
- IOL News
How Mamelodi Sundowns announced themselves on the world stage with historic Club World Cup win
Mamelodi Sundowns striker Iqraam Rayners celebrates his goal during the FIFA Club World Cup Group F match against South Korea's Ulsan HD. Photo: AFP Image: PATRICIA DE MELO MOREIRA / AFP In the warm lights of Orlando, Florida, Mamelodi Sundowns carved out a historic moment – one not just etched in scorelines, but in statement. Against Ulsan HD of South Korea, the reigning South African champions stood tall, bold and unshaken, claiming a 1-0 victory that announced their arrival on football's grandest club stage. The win also marked Sundowns' first-ever victory at the tournament, having lost both of their fixtures during their debut appearance in 2016. With three points secured, they now lead their group, while Borussia Dortmund and Fluminense – the two favourites – were held to a goalless draw in the other opening match. Rayners' hunger drives Brazilians forward Continuing the rich vein of form he displayed towards the tail-end of the Premiership season, Iqraam Rayners looked sharp and purposeful from the outset. The former Stellenbosch FC front-man was heavily involved in the first half, and proved to be a constant threat in the attacking third. He came close to handing his side a bigger lead, but was denied by Video Assistant Referee (VAR) on two occasions after having two goals disallowed. However, his eventual match-winning strike could well set the tone for the rest of the competition – both for himself and the team. Rayners' goal gives the Brazilians a critical edge going forward in the tournament, putting them in a favourable position as they prepare for tougher tests. With Dortmund and Fluminense having dropped points in their stalemate, the pressure now shifts to the two group favourites to deliver in their upcoming fixtures. The perfect game-plan Apart from a brief period in the final 20 minutes, Sundowns dominated large spells of the match, playing with the kind of control and tactical sharpness that has made them the benchmark in South African football. Coming off a long and gruelling domestic season, the expectation was that fatigue might creep in late in the game – especially against an Ulsan side currently in the middle of their own campaign. And while there were signs of wear in the closing stages, Sundowns had already done the hard work earlier. Their high-intensity pressing, intelligent possession play, and strong execution in both phases of the game helped them control proceedings for most of the match. It's a brand of football that has brought them plenty of success, and maintaining that identity throughout the tournament will be crucial if they're to continue making history on the global stage. Cardoso's tactical tweaks pay off With the opener deemed a must-win, head coach Miguel Cardoso made several key adjustments from the team that last faced Pyramids FC in the CAF Champions League final – and those changes proved valuable. Despite Ulsan posing a tough challenge, Cardoso's decision to reintroduce Themba Zwane to the starting line-up added both experience and composure in the middle of the park. The veteran midfielder brought calmness and balance in a tightly contested first half, while also offering added attacking threat and linking play between midfield and attack. Zwane's leadership and presence will no doubt remain crucial as Sundowns look ahead to their next fixture – a high-stakes clash against German giants Dortmund at the TQL Stadium in Ohio on Saturday (6pm SA time start).
The Citizen
42 minutes ago
- The Citizen
Baabaas, Italy and Georgia perfect prep for Rugby Champs — Bok boss Rassie
The World Cup-winning coach is not underestimating the challenge his team will face in the coming weeks. Springbok coach Rassie Erasmusm centre, spoke to the media on Wednesday about the first part of the Test season. He is flanked by flanker Siya Kolisi, left and assistant coach Felix Jones, right. Picture: Sydney Seshibedi/Gallo Images The Springboks are expecting to get a good challenge out of the Barbarians, Italy and Georgia when they get their 2025 international campaign under way next weekend, ahead of what should be a difficult Rugby Championship later in the season. The Boks kick things off against the famous invitational team, the Barbarians, in Cape Town next weekend, before welcoming Italy for two Tests in Pretoria and Gqeberha respectively, followed by a one-off Test against Georgia in Mbombela to close out their early season fixtures. Coach Rassie Erasmus was asked at a press conference on Wednesday whether he was concerned that facing these so-called 'weaker teams' wouldn't be ideal preparation before they attempt to defend their Rugby Championship title, against Argentina, Australia and New Zealand, but immediately rubbished that notion. 'Good preparation' 'A lot of people will assume that, but it would be a slap in the face of those teams. I coached the Barbarians in 2018 when they beat Argentina, and we had a lot of Springbok players in that side,' said Erasmus. 'The names I am seeing in this Barbarians team (to play the Boks) is really going to be a great Test for us. It will be tough enough and it is in Cape Town, so there is no altitude (to hinder them). 'Italy, from what we have analysed, stayed in the fight during those first two games in the Six Nations and their defence was really good. 'Remember when Italy beat South Africa, I remember what that feeling is like, and we will be very careful not to fall into that trap. 'Georgia is a challenging team that we can't underestimate. The key for us will be to drive our own standards against them. So I think we will get a good challenge from these games and it will be good preparation for us.' Bok players joining squad Only a few Bok players have not yet joined up with the squad, which is in camp and training in Cape Town this week. 'It was a bit of a challenge when the Bulls guys and Handre Pollard came in (to camp) on Monday night. We had to change the programme a little bit with some coaches having to sit with them and catch up on what they had missed,' explained Erasmus. 'Yesterday (Tuesday) they (Bulls players and Pollard) did their fitness test, which the other guys did last week. And from Thursday we are all on the same programme.' The majority of the squad have been in camp from last week already.
