Proteas downplay Cosatu threat
15/04/2008 20:51  - (SA)  

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Arthur ecstatic about Proteas Kirsten identifies with Woolmer Cosatu to tackle transformation

Johannesburg - The Proteas coach and captain, Mickey Arthur and Graeme Smith, appeared unconcerned on Tuesday about a threat by the Congress of South African Trade Unions (Cosatu) that it plans to take up the issue of transformation in cricket, with mass action if necessary.

Cosatu issued the threat after South Africa's eight-wicket loss to India in the third Test in Kanpur.

"The white wonder boys are not as invincible as they would have us believe," the federation said in a statement issued from its Western Cape office.

It said it hoped the defeat would serve as a lesson not to allow a few players, the players' association, and "black players who are embarrassed to be black" to dictate to the country.

"We have for a long time seen how the cricket environment is dominated by the existing cricket association who appears to act in the main on behalf of white players."

Arthur and Smith were told of the threat when they returned to South Africa after drawing the three Test series against India.

"This has arguably been South Africa's best season," responded Arthur. "We played 39 international matches this year and won 32. I don't think you can argue with that."

"I think the success of the team is indicative of the processes that have been put in place," he added. "With success, there will be fewer off-field issues than there might be without success. I'm comfortable that things have been sorted out and we are going from strength to strength."

"As players we just want to see that the system is right, and that it can be trusted," said Smith. "We don't want to have any issues like we had before the last couple of tours. Hopefully we can now concentrate on the cricket, and the cricket will now be the main focus of the players, the administration and the media."

Smith said he was very pleased with the team's performance throughout the

season.

"I think the season we've just had outdid all our expectations," he said.

"Three sub-continent tours, winning two and drawing one - it's the toughest place to go on tour, so it's been awesome. We also had a very successful home season."

- SAPA

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