2009
3 January 2009
2009 is well under way and if 2008 is anything to go by this is going to be a great year.
I have to congratulate Graeme and the Proteas on their magnificent test series victory in Australia. The first of its kind for a South African team in Australia. In the past it always seemed that when the pressure was on the South African side it got the better of them, but during this series we just seemed to rise above the pressure and it was something that motivated us. Certainly a decisive factor in my mind. The team was brilliantly led by Graeme and one could see how he inspired not only his team, but a whole nation. JP Duminy must be the star of the season. He took to international cricket like a duck to water. I believe that there is a very important lesson to be learned on how he was managed as a player. JP was part of the national set up for the last 2 years and although he only played ODI cricket it gave him the chance to get used to the pressures of international cricket. Well done guys we are very proud of you.
The MTN Cup was concluded last week with the Titans beating the Eagles very convincingly. To Pierre Joubert and the Titans – congratulations. The Titans in the last couple of years always seem to just get better and better. They are the team in SA that is setting the standard.
SACA will launch the new SACA website on the Monday 26 January. It proves to be very interactive for the players’ benefit. Another great feature will be the new Standard Bank Rankings which will give up to date rankings of the best performing cricketers in the domestic competitions. The rankings are based on the MVP rankings being used by the English Players’ Association during the county season in the UK. These rankings will play a bigger part in the overall MVP rankings and players will be able see every week where they stand. Very exciting indeed!
To all the players may 2009 be a blessed year.