Source: Ministry of Sport and Recreation
Title: Balfour: Comments on Cricket World Cup, NA
COMMENTS BY MINISTER OF SPORTS AND RECREATION, NGCONDE BALFOUR ON THE CRICKET WORLD CUP, National Assembly, 5 March
It is now the second day after our elimination from the 2003 Cricket World Cup. The disappointment experienced by South Africans is widespread and the consequent outpourings of grief are understandable. It is good that people are given the space to express how they feel.
But it is also necessary to consider the effect that our elimination has had on our players. As the host country, we were expected to do well in the World Cup. The team missed qualifying for the Super Sixes by a single run because of rain, but despite this, they remain our team and our players. Let us continue supporting and encouraging them as we have done in the past and in this way assist them in rebuilding their confidence that has taken a severe blow.
It is also disconcerting to note some of the attacks by individuals on the players, team management and administrators of the UCBSA. Surely, negative criticism does not assist us, but rather exacerbates a situation that is already difficult. I want to appeal to such individuals to be constructive in their criticism and to contribute positively towards the promotion of cricket.
This is also our Cricket World Cup. As President Thabo Mbeki has stated, let us continue to support it as we look forward to many other international sport events in our country.
Enquiries: Graham Abrahams at 082 453 2244
Issued by Ministry of Sport and Recreation
5 March 2003
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