Bavuma shocked by hero’s welcome

Proteas captain, Temba Bavuma, was taken aback by the welcome they received at the OR Tambo International Airport when the team arrived back home after winning the World Test Championship title in London over the weekend.

Bavuma and his charges received a hero’s welcome.

Sport Minister, Gayton McKenzie, and Cricket South Africa President, Rihan Richards, were among high ranking officials who also came out to congratulate the team.

The WTC triumph is the first ICC world title that South Africa has won.

“It was quite overwhelming, I haven’t seen a lot of people like that before. Quite different to the last time we came home from the World Cup. I think for us as players, at least for myself, you don’t think you really realise what you’ve done until you interact with people at home, to see the emotion and hear the things they’re saying. It really gives you a proper insight into what we’ve done,” says Bavuma.

Minister Mckenzie lauded Bavuma as the Proteas best ever captain, citing the adversity and criticism that the Langa-born batter has had to endure throughout his career.

“In the history of cricket, we have never had such a great cricket captain. Respectful to the others – we love them, but this is the greatest cricket captain South Africa has ever had,” the minister said.