LISTEN: ‘His name is Temba!’: Proteas Captain reflects on making Test history

947’s Robert Marawa speaks with Proteas captain, Temba Bavuma.

Listen below:

From Langa in the Western Cape to Lord’s... the Proteas captain made history last month when the South African team lifted the ICC World Test Championship trophy.

After years of constantly having to prove himself, this was his WTC - and he owned it. 

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Despite pulling up with a hamstring injury, Bavuma played a major hand in the Proteas’ success, scoring 66 in the second innings, which formed part of the match-winning 147.

He says he feels really seen for the person, the leader and cricketer that he is. 

“It’s been a long time coming... we’ve been speaking about this as a team, and it's been my biggest motivator as to why I haven’t given up when things got tough.” 

– Temba Bavuma, Proteas Captain 

“Being recognised for more than just being a black African batsman or cricketer, there’s relief to it because that title comes with certain connotations, more negative than anything… I will walk with my chest out.”

– Temba Bavuma, Proteas Captain 

The journey to the top was not easy, but it made him the man, the leader and the player that he is today. 

“Captaincy, it’s a lonely job, being a player as well. You go through struggles and you look around in the change room and you’re not sure who you can speak to, if they can resonate.” 

– Temba Bavuma, Proteas Captain 

“Those thoughts [of giving up] come, you’re only human. It’s been a tough journey… the system doesn’t really prepare you for it, and I think also being the first in many ways, people need to get used to that idea.” 

– Temba Bavuma, Proteas Captain