Last month, the topic of transformation and so-called ‘quota’ targets once again came into the spotlight when the EP Warriors were ‘dropped’ from the One-Day Cup cricket playoffs after fielding only two black Africans (instead of three) in a previous match.
As per CSA regulations, teams must have six players of colour in their starting teams, three of whom must be black Africans. However, wicketkeeper-batsman Sinethemba Qeshile and all-rounder Andile Mokgakane were the Warriors’ only two black African players to take the field.
Questions raised around quota requirements in SA cricket
The inability to field the required number not only cost the Warriors a coveted spot in the playoffs, but a fine of R500,000 was also handed down for failing to meet the quota target.
During a recent interview, Bavuma suggested the whole matter should have been handled differently.
“We can’t now in 2025 discuss whether it should be there in the system,” said Bavuma, as quoted by IOL Sport.
“In my opinion it shouldn’t have played out the way it did. It’s sensitive, it’s controversial, and I think the decision-makers have the power to implement it.
“It’s important that it’s done with pure intentions, you know, I think with the intentions are not good it kind of stirs up all the controversy.
“Within the Warriors changeroom, and how it affects those players. Your white players, your black players, those type of interactions,” Bavuma added.
“It can negatively affect guys, how guys view each other, how guys view selection, because that’s obviously where, it tends to play itself out.
“For us at the top, look, we deal with what we have to deal with, as players, we spend enough time with the coaches to understand that there will be certain things that you have to deal with, fairly or unfairly, as a black player.
“Certain things, sure, they don’t surprise you. You just kind of get on with it, and what you need to do. Like I said, I think there’s better ways to, if we’re trying to send a message, there’s better ways to do that.”
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