18 - 06 - 2025
Proteas Triumph Sparks Praise and Promised Bonuses
SA national cricket team, the Proteas, returned home to a hero’s welcome at OR Tambo International Airport after a historic victory against Australia in the ICC World Test Championship final at Lords. The team secured a five-wicket win, claiming their first major title since the 1998 Champions Trophy and proudly brought home the ICC Test Mace.
The Minister of Sport, Gayton McKenzie, was present at the airport to greet the victorious squad. He hinted that the players are in line for financial rewards, with further announcements expected at a media briefing at Cricket SAs headquarters in Johannesburg later in the day. McKenzie jokingly remarked that the volume of bonuses for South Africa’s recent sporting successes could be enough to drain the national treasury.
This cricketing achievement adds to a growing list of sporting milestones. The Springboks clinched consecutive Rugby World Cup titles in 2019 and 2023. Bafana Bafana secured third place at the 2024 Africa Cup of Nations and qualified for the next tournament, set to be hosted in Morocco from December 26.
At the 2024 Paris Olympics, South Africa earned six medals, including a gold by swimmer Tatjana Smith and a silver in the men’s 4x100 relay, anchored by Akani Simbine. Strength athletes Rayno Nel and Brendali Theron also brought pride to the nation, recently winning the titles of World’s Strongest Man and Woman, respectively.
McKenzie attributed the Proteas success to leadership and belief within the team. He commended coach Shukri Conrad for building a strong mindset and credited captain Temba Bavuma for guiding the team with resolve. According to the minister, the Proteas' confidence and unity were the foundation of their triumph.
He also emphasised the team’s representation of SAs diversity. McKenzie highlighted the importance of national teams reflecting the nations demographics, saying the Proteas, like the Springboks, serve as a symbol of unity and inclusion. With Bavuma as captain, children of all backgrounds have someone to look up to, he added.
McKenzie concluded that South Africa has become a leading sporting nation, boasting top athletes, diverse representation, and a culture of excellence across disciplines.
