Rain in 1992. Lara in 1996. Madness in 1999. Rain and madness in 2003. Madness and pressure today. South Africa’s list of World Cup tragedies just got longer. One has got to feel for them, they have been among the best teams in non-ICC tournaments.
This is how the commentators on cricinfo.com aptly describe yet another disappointing exit from the cricket world cup for South Africa.
Hopefully I will be able to write more about this later, but for now let me just say that this is a way of thinking that helps us move away from our sick and displaced idol worship mentality regarding sport, not only in South Africa, but around the world.
Sport is there to be enjoyed, not to kill your team or to feel ashamed when they lose. Yes, it’s never nice to lose, and one should always strive to perform at your best, but hey, there is life after losing.
So although I’m disappointed, I’m still a happy man and I’m still a proud Protea supporter. The people I really feel for today are the players, and especially people like Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis, two brilliant, top international players who are often praised only when they play a major role in wins.
Now I just hope New Zeeland takes the cup! They deserved to win this game.
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